Prices of Five Out of Eight Major Dining-Out Items Rise
Significant Increases Also Seen in Certain Personal Service Categories
The prices of popular dining-out items among consumers have been confirmed to be rising steeply. Out of eight representative dining-out menu items tracked for consumers, the prices of five increased within a single month.
According to the Korea Consumer Agency's comprehensive price information portal, Chamgagaek, as of last month, the average price of one roll of gimbap in Seoul was 3,623 won, up by 23 won (0.6%) from the previous month.
During the same period, the price of samgyeopsal (200g) increased from 20,276 won to 20,447 won, a rise of 171 won (0.8%). The price of samgyetang rose from 17,346 won to 17,500 won, up by 154 won (0.9%). Bibimbap (11,423 won) increased by 38 won (0.3%), and kalguksu (9,615 won) rose by 153 won (1.6%). Three menu items?naengmyeon (12,115 won), kimchi jjigae set meal (8,500 won), and jajangmyeon (7,500 won)?showed no price change.
The phenomenon known as "lunchflation" (lunch + inflation), which refers to rising lunch prices, has accelerated again this year following last year. This is due not only to increases in the prices of ingredients such as rice and flour, but also to the continued rise in labor costs and electricity and water rates. Each of these factors has independently contributed to the acceleration of lunchflation.
The upward trend in prices for certain personal services has also been notable. As of last month, the average dry cleaning fee for a men's suit in Seoul was 9,923 won, up by 231 won (2.4%) from the same period. The average accommodation fee rose by 77 won (0.1%) to 53,385 won. Hairdressing fees increased from 23,615 won to 23,846 won, a rise of 231 won (1.0%). There was no change in the prices of barbershop services (12,538 won) and public bathhouse fees (10,692 won).
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