Jinju City is gaining positive attention for its “1,000 Won Breakfast” program, which provides affordable and nutritious rice-based breakfasts to university students who often skip their morning meals.

Under the initiative, students pay just 1,000 won for breakfast, while the remaining 4,000 won, about 80 percent of the average meal cost, is covered through national, provincial, and municipal funding.

The low price and reliable quality have made the program especially popular among students facing rising living costs.

This year, Jinju plans to provide a total of 173,600 breakfasts through the program, accounting for 67 percent of the 258,310 meals offered across eight universities in Gyeongnam Province. This makes Jinju’s program the largest of its kind in the province.

Initially introduced at Gyeongsang National University, the project has steadily expanded through active city promotion. It now includes Jinju Health College and Yonam Institute of Technology, with participation spreading throughout the local university district.

The city has also worked closely with participating universities to secure a stable supply of safe, high-quality agricultural products produced in Jinju. This approach has created a mutually beneficial structure, supporting both student welfare and expanded sales channels for local rice farmers.

Students say the program eases daily financial pressure. With food prices around campuses continuing to rise, many have welcomed the opportunity to enjoy a filling meal at a minimal cost.

Jinju Health College was recently recognized as a best practice case in the 2025 “1,000 Won Breakfast” evaluation by the Rural Development Administration, earning the agency’s Director’s Award.

Fleet Chinhae

USAG Daegu