Restaurant prices continue to rise across Seoul

Samgyetang (Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)

The cost of dining out in Seoul continues to increase, with several popular menu items reaching new highs over the past five years.

According to the Korea Consumer Agency’s price information portal, samgyeopsal remains the city’s most expensive major restaurant menu item, averaging 21,321 won for a 200-gram serving. Samgyetang follows at 18,154 won, while naengmyeon averages 12,615 won, bibimbap costs 11,769 won, and kalguksu has climbed to 10,038 won.

Samgyetang has seen one of the steepest increases. The average price has risen from 14,077 won in 2021 to 18,154 won this year, an increase of 4,077 won, or 29%.

At some well-known specialty restaurants, a bowl now costs more than 20,000 won.

Camp Casey