The price of buckwheat, the main material for cold noodles considered a summer delicacy, is on the decline. However, the price of cold noodles remains high this year as well. Some famous cold noodle restaurants have raised the price of a bowl to 16,000 won. Consumer burden is increasing every year.
According to the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) price information portal on the 12th, the average price of a bowl of cold noodles in Seoul in June was 12,269 won. This is an increase of 2.9% compared to June of last year (11,923 won). Compared to five years ago, when the price was 9,000 won, it has increased by 36.3%.
In particular, the prices at well-known cold noodle restaurants in downtown Seoul far exceed the average. Pildongmyeonok raised the price of its cold noodles from 14,000 won earlier this year to 15,000 won, while Eulmildae has been selling cold noodles since March at 16,000 won, which is 1,000 won higher than the previous price. The prices of Pyongyang cold noodles at Bongpiyang, Pyeonggaok, and Woolraeok also stand at 16,000 won. Euljimyeonok and Nampomyeonok also sell cold noodles at 15,000 won.
The problem is that the price of buckwheat, the main ingredient for cold noodles, is on the decline. According to Agricultural Products Distribution Information (KAMIS), as of the previous day, the wholesale price of buckwheat was 3,265 won per kilogram on average for the month. This marks a decrease of 5.53% compared to the same time last year. Compared to the average year, it is 19.42% lower.
Industry experts explain that even though the price of buckwheat has decreased, it is difficult to maintain the price of cold noodles. The price of Hanwoo beef (grade 1), a key ingredient for cold noodle broth, has increased, along with the costs of secondary materials such as pork and seasonings. They also point out that fixed expenses such as labor costs and rent are significant.
Park Mo (68), the owner of a cold noodle restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul, said, "Only the price of buckwheat has fallen, but the prices of Hanwoo brisket and shank have risen significantly. The price of pork used as a topping has also increased." He added, "The essence of cold noodles is the broth. If we use imported beef instead of Hanwoo, the taste changes, and we can't help but use Hanwoo." According to livestock distribution information, as of the previous day, the price of grade 1 Hanwoo beef was 15,115 won per kilogram, an increase of 9.28% compared to last year and 15.28% compared to the previous week.
Choi Mo (73), the owner of a cold noodle restaurant in Songpa-gu, Seoul, noted, "What does it matter if the price of buckwheat falls? The minimum wage has increased, and rent has also gone up." He stated, "Considering fixed expenses like electricity bills and facility maintenance costs, it is difficult to maintain the price of cold noodles."
Consumer burden is growing. Nam Yu-kyung (32), an office worker, said, "A bowl of Pyongyang cold noodles costs 15,000 won at a minimum, which places a heavy burden on family dining out." She added, "While the composition of the food is similar to last year, prices have risen every year. It feels like the era of '20,000 won cold noodles' is coming soon."
Housewife Choi Young-in (49) said, "My children like Pyongyang cold noodles, so we sometimes go out to eat, but the price burden is considerable." She shared, "My eldest daughter said, 'This year's cold noodles will be the cheapest, so we should eat a lot,' but I couldn't just laugh at that."
There are also criticisms that the increase in prices might be due to the popularity of Pyongyang cold noodles, as they have gained fame particularly at renowned restaurants and traditional establishments. This is despite the enduring demand, as people still seek them out willingly, forming long lines to buy.
Seo Yong-gu, a professor in the Business Administration department at Sookmyung Women's University, stated, "Even if material prices drop, it rarely reflects immediately in food prices. On the other hand, when material prices increase, prices rise immediately, resulting in a continual price increase."
An industry insider remarked, "The places that actually set the price for cold noodles are essentially famous restaurants and traditional establishments. When these places raise their prices, regular restaurants follow suit." He continued, "Recently, with the great popularity of Pyongyang cold noodles, this trend has been further intensified," adding, "Due to soaring prices, more consumers are seeking out convenient cold noodle meal kits and products that can be eaten at home."