Among the main dining menus, the price of Jajangmyeon has increased the most over the past 10 years. The photo shows a menu board announcing the sale of Jajangmyeon in front of a restaurant in Seoul. /Courtesy of News1

Among major dining menus, the price of jajangmyeon has increased the most over the past 10 years.

According to the Korea Consumer Agency's True Price on the 30th, prices for seven dining menus in the Seoul area increased an average of 40.2% compared to December 2014.

During this period, the price of jajangmyeon, a representative working-class food, rose from 4,500 won to 7,423 won, a 65.0% increase, making it the largest increase. The price of jajangmyeon jumped to the 5,000 won range in 2019, and in 2023, it exceeded 7,000 won.

The price of naengmyeon also jumped 50%, from 8,000 won to 12,000 won. The prices of kimchi stew set meal (5,727 won to 8,269 won) and kalguksu (6,500 won to 9,385 won) also each rose by 44.4%.

In addition, bibimbap (7,864 to 11,192 won) increased by 42.3%, and pork belly (200 g equivalent; 14,535 to 20,282 won) rose by 39.5%.

Gimbap saw the smallest increase, rising by 9.4% to 3,500 won.

The relatively larger increase in jajangmyeon prices is due to a significant rise in the prices of its main ingredients. According to the Korean Statistical Information Service, the consumer price index of green onions soared by 110% during the same period, while prices for cucumbers rose 100%, pumpkins 70%, and onions 60%, indicating generally high price increases for agricultural products.

Among processed food ingredients, salt showed an increase of 80%, while sugar and cooking oil rose by 50%, soy sauce by 40%, and flour by 30%. Pork prices also rose by 40%, adding to cost burdens.

The price of jajangmyeon also increased in December of last year, with the price of 7,423 won in December rising 5.0% compared to 7,069 won in January. This increase was the second largest after naengmyeon, which showed an increase rate of 5.4% (11,385 to 12,000 won).