Seoul Kalguksu Prices Breach 10,000 Won Mark, Signaling New Era of Inflation

In March, the average price of kalguksu in the Seoul region exceeded 10,000 won for the first time, reaching 10,038 won. This was a 0.7% increase from 9,962 won in February, within just one month. The price hike for a menu familiar to many citizens is interpreted as a signal of the overall burden of dining out costs.

Besides kalguksu, prices for other major dining-out menu items also showed a general upward trend. In March, in the Seoul region, naengmyeon (cold noodles) were 12,538 won, bibimbap was 11,615 won, and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) was 18,154 won, with most exceeding 10,000 won. In contrast, some menus such as Kimchi Jjigae Baekban (kimchi stew with rice) (8,654 won), Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) (7,692 won), and Gimbap (seaweed rice rolls) (3,800 won) remained below 10,000 won.

Differences in dining costs were also observed by region. The region with the highest kalguksu price nationwide was Jeju (10,375 won), and bibimbap was more expensive in Jeonbuk (11,900 won) than in Seoul. Kimchi Jjigae Baekban exceeded 10,000 won in Daejeon (10,800 won).

As prices for major dining-out menus have generally risen, the economic burden has increased.