[Exclusive] Even Hansot, the 'People's Lunchbox,' Can't Survive... Up to 300 Won Increase on 25 Items

Hansot Dosirak's 'Chicken Mayo'.

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] Amid a wave of price hikes by dining-out businesses, Hansot, known as the "People's Lunchbox," has joined the ranks of those raising prices. This price increase comes 10 months after some menu items were raised by 100 to 200 won in April last year.

According to the industry on the 8th, Hansot Dosirak raised the prices of 25 out of its 81 menu items by 100 to 300 won starting from January this year.

The most increased item is the popular menu "Dongbaek" lunchbox. It went up 300 won from the previous 5,200 won to 5,500 won.

The "Chicken Mayo," which has sold more than 150 million units since its launch in 2003, was raised by 200 won from 3,000 won to 3,200 won.

Also, "Donkkaseu Doryeonnim Gogi Gogi" increased from 5,600 won to 5,800 won, "Charcoal Grilled Rice Bowl" from 5,700 won to 5,900 won, and "Beef Bulgogi Licorice Chili Paste Bibimbap" from 4,800 won to 5,000 won, each rising by 200 won.

"Spam Kimchi Fried Rice," "Donkkaseu Curry," and "Donchi Spam" also increased by 100 won each.

Hansot explained, "This unavoidable measure is due to increased costs of raw materials and ingredients, rising labor costs, maritime shipping fees, and the rising dollar exchange rate, which have increased the burden on franchise owners."

As dining-out costs have been rising since the end of last year, the price hike even for lunchboxes, considered an affordable meal, has further increased consumers' dining expenses. In particular, lunchboxes are one of the dining menus whose demand surged sharply due to COVID-19, so the perceived level of price increase by consumers is expected to be even greater.

Moreover, with Hansot Dosirak raising prices, other companies including Bondo Dosirak are reportedly internally considering price increases as well.

Meanwhile, Hansot Dosirak operates over 750 franchise stores nationwide. Since its establishment in 1989, starting with its first 8-pyeong (approx. 26.4 m²) store in Jongno, Seoul in 1993, it has grown into a mid-sized dining company with annual sales of 99.6 billion won.

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