Samgyetang Now Costs $18 in Seoul Amid Inflation, Convenience Stores Offer Alternatives

The soaring cost of traditional Korean summer dishes is prompting consumers to seek more budget-friendly alternatives, with convenience stores emerging as popular spots for affordable "health foods." As the peak of summer heat approaches, demand for dishes like Samgyetang, a ginseng chicken soup traditionally eaten for stamina, is rising.

However, the price of a single bowl of Samgyetang in Seoul has now surpassed 18,000 won. According to data from the Korea Consumer Agency, the average price stood at 18,154 won in May, marking a 2.8% increase compared to the same period last year. This follows a steady upward trend, with the average price rising from 14,077 won in 2021 to 17,654 won in 2023.

The broader trend of rising food costs is impacting dining out expenses across South Korea. In June, the consumer price index for dining out rose by 2.6% compared to the previous year, according to the National Statistical Office. This escalating cost of eating out is driving consumers towards more accessible and affordable options, such as those offered by convenience stores, which are actively promoting their own versions of "health foods" to meet this growing demand.