Seoul Jjajangmyeon 7,500 Won · Kalguksu 9,500 Won... Unabated Myeonflation

Noodle Dishes No Longer Considered Affordable Meals
Prices of Samgyeopsal, Samgyetang, and Kimchi-jjigae Remain Unchanged

The phenomenon of 'myeonflation' (a portmanteau of myeon, meaning noodles, and inflation, referring to rising noodle prices) continues. As the costs of ingredients, labor, store rent, and utilities such as electricity and water steadily increase, the prices of noodle dishes, once considered affordable meals for the common people, are persistently rising.

According to the Korea Consumer Agency's comprehensive price information portal 'Chamgagyeok' on the 18th, the price of Jjajangmyeon, one of the eight popular dining-out menu items frequently sought by consumers in Seoul, rose from 7,423 won in December last year to 7,500 won in January this year, an increase of 77 won. The price of Jjajangmyeon in Seoul increased from 4,500 won in October 2014 to the 5,000 won range in October 2019, then rose from the 6,000 won range in April 2022 to the 7,000 won range in September 2023.

Jjajangmyeon. Pixabay

Last month, the price of a bowl of Naengmyeon increased from 12,000 won to 12,038 won. The average price of a bowl of Naengmyeon first surpassed 10,000 won in April 2022, 11,000 won in June 2023, and 12,000 won in December last year.

In Seoul, the most expensive Naengmyeon at famous restaurants such as Uraegok, Bongpiyang, and Pyeonggaok is priced at 16,000 won per bowl. Euljimyeonok and Eulmilda are priced at 15,000 won, and Pildongmyeonok at 14,000 won.

In front of a naengmyeon specialty restaurant in a food alley.

Last month, the price of Kalguksu also rose from 9,385 won to 9,462 won. Additionally, Gimbap increased from 3,500 won to 3,538 won, and Bibimbap rose from 11,192 won to 11,231 won.

The average prices of three other dining-out items?Samgyeopsal, Samgyetang, and Kimchi-jjigae set meals?remained unchanged last month. The price of one serving (200g) of Samgyeopsal stayed at 20,282 won, while Samgyetang and Kimchi-jjigae set meals were priced at 17,269 won and 8,269 won, respectively.

Regarding personal service fees in the Seoul area last month, the cost of a haircut was 12,538 won, and the price for a bath was 10,615 won, both unchanged from December last year.