Now They Charge Separately for Fish Cake Broth... "100 Won per Cup, 500 Won for Packaging"

The Era of 1,000 Won per Bungeoppang
Reduced Production Causes Roasted Sweet Potato Prices to Soar

Even street snacks, which are representative of affordable treats for the common people, are seeing steep price increases, and now it has been reported that even fish cake broth has become chargeable.

Fish cake broth is sold for 100 won per cup, and packaging is sold for 500 won. Online community

Recently, numerous online communities have posted photos with the caption "Now they even charge for fish cake broth." The price list in the photo shows prices for fish cakes such as "Mul Odeng (plain fish cake) 1 piece 1,000 won" and "Red Odeng 1 piece 1,500 won," along with a price list for fish cake broth.

The price for fish cake broth is listed as 100 won per paper cup if you are eating fish cakes, and 500 won if you are drinking the broth alone without eating fish cakes. If you take the fish cakes to go, an additional 500 won is charged for the broth. Until now, fish cake broth was strongly perceived as a complimentary service and was even provided to those who did not eat fish cakes. Many feel disappointed that this humble snack, once enjoyed for just a few coins, is becoming more expensive day by day due to inflation, making even the "warmth" seem to disappear.

Nowadays, it is common to have to pay with bills even for a single Bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry). Starting this winter, the era of 1,000 won per Bungeoppang has arrived. Due to high inflation, the prices of raw materials such as red beans and flour have surged, making it difficult for street vendors to bear the costs. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation's agricultural product distribution information, as of the 22nd, the wholesale price of imported red beans mainly used for Bungeoppang is 265,800 won per 40 kg, which is 54% higher than the price five years ago. LPG gas prices have also increased.

Sweet potatoes are in a similar situation. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) Food Industry Statistical Information on the 19th, the price of domestic chestnut sweet potatoes was 36,140 won per 10 kg, a 14.2% increase compared to the same period last year (31,643 won). It is also about 16.7% higher than the previous month (30,965 won). The price increase is due to a reduced harvest this year. Sweet potatoes grow faster when nighttime temperatures are low, but this year, due to heat waves and a small temperature difference between day and night, the crop yield was poor. It is reported that the shipment volume decreased by about 15-20% compared to the previous year.