Students living alone are crying... Gimbap, Kimchi Jjigae, and Bread Prices Jump 10% in One Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] The price of gimbap, a representative food for people living alone, has approached 3,000 won, rising nearly 10% in a year, continuing the upward trend in major food prices.

According to the comprehensive price portal Chamgagaek of the Korea Consumer Agency on the 27th, among eight popular dining-out menu items in the Seoul area last month, prices of seven items increased compared to a year ago, while only one decreased.

Last month, the average price of one roll of gimbap in Seoul was 2,731 won, up 9.8% from 2,485 won in the same month last year. Among the eight major surveyed items, gimbap recorded the highest price increase rate. The price of naengmyeon, a popular summer dish, was 9,500 won, up 5.5% from last year, marking the second largest increase. This was followed by jajangmyeon (5.3%), kimchi jjigae set meal (4.7%), and bibimbap (3.5%). Among the nine items, samgyetang was the only one to slightly decrease to 14,077 won compared to last year.

Compared to the previous month (May), prices of gimbap, naengmyeon, samgyeopsal, bibimbap, and kimchi jjigae increased last month, while jajangmyeon and kalguksu showed no price change. Prices of frequently consumed processed foods also rose. The price of bread (per 100g) increased by 21.5% from 103 won to 125 won, showing the highest rate of increase. Instant rice (12.8%), tofu (7.6%), and canned tuna (7.8%) also rose significantly. The reason for the rise in dining-out and processed food prices is the sharp increase in raw material costs such as agricultural and livestock products.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.