Food & Drink
Soju and beer prices rise again at restaurants and bars across South Korea including Busan
Haps Magazine Korea
July 10, 2025
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The prices of soju and beer at restaurants and bars across South Korea have begun to rise again, ending a months-long period of price cuts driven by sales promotions. The trend is visible in Busan as well.
According to data released by Statistics Korea’s National Statistical Portal (KOSIS) on the 8th, the consumer price index for restaurant soju nationwide in June reached 115.75 (based on 2020 = 100), marking a 0.1% increase compared to the same month last year. This is the first year-on-year increase in restaurant soju prices since August 2023.
Restaurant beer prices also rose by 0.5% last month, the first increase since November of last year.
In Busan, restaurant soju prices had declined continuously for a full year, from March 2023 to February 2024, but have rebounded since March and have continued to rise through June, increasing 4.8% for three consecutive months.
Retail prices for soju nationwide also saw an uptick, with a 0.2% rise in May and a 0.1% increase in June after a 16-month decline. Retail beer prices rose 3.1% in June, the largest monthly increase since October 2023.
Officials and analysts attribute the rising prices to the conclusion of extended discount promotions by self-employed business owners, who had been offering alcohol at reduced prices or for free to attract customers during challenging business conditions.
These promotions temporarily lowered the price index, but the end of these campaigns appears to have allowed prices to recover.
In some cases, closures of small establishments following unsustainable discounts may have also contributed to the shift.