Long Lines at Junggu Office Cafeteria
Affordable Meals Featuring Pork Cutlet and Jjolmyeon
As high inflation continues for an extended period, cafeterias in public institutions, where people can have meals at affordable prices, are gaining popularity among citizens. These cafeterias have become popular destinations for office workers, job seekers, and seniors alike, as they guarantee nutritious meals and allow individuals to dine comfortably alone without any burden.
Citizens are lining up to eat at the cafeteria in Junggu District Office, Seoul. Photo by Byun Seonjin
On August 18, at the basement cafeteria of Junggu District Office in Seoul, about 20 to 30 people were already lining up just over 10 minutes before the cafeteria opened to the public at 12:20 p.m. Within 10 minutes of opening, the waiting line stretched to 50 meters. That day, the cafeteria offered a variety of self-serve menu items such as pork cutlet, jjolmyeon noodles, kimchi stew, and kkakdugi, all for just 6,500 won. Park Jungyong (49), an office worker in the area, said, "The price is affordable, and I can choose from various side dishes, so I come here often." An official from the Junggu District Office stated, "Although operating costs are under pressure due to high inflation, there are no plans to raise prices this year."
Employee cafeterias inside major train stations that are open to the public are also considered "hidden gems" for lunch. The cafeteria at Cheongnyangni Station offers about 10 different side dishes for 7,000 won. Noh Jinhyuk (54), a local resident, said, "These days, a single meal easily costs over 10,000 won, but here I can have a balanced meal at a low price." A police officer commented, "There is no price burden, and I can eat quickly and leave, so I come here often."
The cafeteria at Yongsan Library, operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, serves set meals for 6,000 won. On a recent visit, parents with children and seniors were noticeable among the diners. Park Chungman (72), who visited with a group studying at the library, paid for three meals at the kiosk and said, "The price is so reasonable that even when paying for my companions, it doesn't feel burdensome."
The average lunch cost for office workers in the Seoul metropolitan area is nearly 10,000 won. According to NHN Payco, an analysis of about 9 million transactions made through the "mobile meal voucher service" last month showed that the average lunch expense for metropolitan area office workers in the first half of this year was 9,500 won. This figure has risen from 6,000 won in 2017, marking a 58% increase over eight years. As prices soar, more citizens are turning to affordable public institution cafeterias.
Lee Youngae, a professor in the Department of Consumer Studies at Incheon National University, explained, "There are not many places where you can have a proper meal at a low price amid high inflation," adding, "Public institution cafeterias inevitably attract citizens because they provide well-balanced meals, mainly consisting of Korean cuisine."
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