The prices of cold noodles and samgyetang, representative foods of summer, have increased again last month. The ongoing rise in restaurant prices that has persisted for several years continues into the summer.
According to the Korea Consumer Agency's comprehensive price information portal 'Chamgaguk,' the average price of a bowl of cold noodles in the Seoul area last month was 12,269 won, an increase of 154 won compared to the previous month (April). The average price of cold noodles has been steadily rising since surpassing 10,000 won in April 2022, 11,000 won in June 2023, and 12,000 won in December 2023.
The average price of samgyetang, a representative health food for summer, was recorded at 17,654 won, an increase of 154 won from the previous month. The price of samgyetang surpassed 14,000 won in 2017, 15,000 won in 2022, and 16,000 won in 2023, and in July last year, it exceeded the 17,000 won mark.
The prices at famous restaurants are significantly higher than average. Cold noodle specialty restaurant Phil Dong Myeon Ok raised its price from 14,000 won to 15,000 won this year, while Eulmildae increased its price from 15,000 won to 16,000 won. The cold noodles at Woo Rae Ok, Bongpiyang, and Byeongga Ok are also sold in the 16,000 won range.
Restaurants known for their samgyetang, such as Tosokchon, Goryeo Samgyetang, and Nonhyeon Samgyetang, have already set their base menu prices at 20,000 won.
Additionally, knife-cut noodles (9,692 won) and bibimbap (11,462 won) increased by 77 won and 39 won, respectively, during the same period, while gimbap (3,623 won), jajangmyeon (7,500 won), pork belly (200g · 20,447 won), and kimchi jjigae set meal (8,500 won) remained at the same prices as the previous month.
Meanwhile, personal service expenses in the Seoul area saw no significant changes. The expense for a haircut was 12,538 won, and the expense for a bath was 10,692 won, unchanged from the previous month.