Food
Eating at home in South Korea isn’t as cheap as it used to be
Haps Magazine Korea
August 26, 2026
(Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
Cooking at home has traditionally been the cheaper alternative to eating out in Korea, but rising grocery prices are narrowing the difference.
According to Korea Consumer Agency data, the average cost of ingredients for one serving of samgyeopsal reached 10,191 won in the first half of 2026, up 11.8% from a year earlier. Pork belly itself rose 13.6%, while garlic increased 10.2% and ssamjang jumped 19.8%.
By comparison, the average restaurant price for samgyeopsal rose just 2.7% to 17,745 won. The gap between eating it at home and at a restaurant consequently fell from 8,173 won to 7,554 won.
Other everyday food costs are also climbing. The average price of samgyetang in Busan reached 17,429 won in July, up 4.3% year-on-year, while fresh ginseng prices have risen sharply.
More increases are coming to supermarket shelves.
Dongwon F&B will raise canned tuna prices by around 9% from September 1, while Ottogi cup noodles including Jin Ramen and Yeul Ramen will increase 6.7%.
Paldo is also raising cup noodle and beverage prices, while Paris Baguette has increased prices on 127 breads, cakes and desserts by an average of 5%.
The increases could add further pressure on household food budgets heading into the Chuseok holiday period.