"Free Large Portions for Soldiers"... Controversy Over Soldier Discrimination at a Chinese Restaurant in Cheorwon

SNS Buzzes About the Business, Netizens Give Thumbs Up
"Wishing You More Prosperity" and Other Praise Comments Flood In

Recently, an all-you-can-eat barbecue restaurant that charged additional fees to military personnel sparked public outrage, and now a Chinese restaurant offering 'extra-large' servings to soldiers is gaining attention.

On the 17th, the Facebook page 'Delivering Messages from the Army Training Center' (hereafter YookDaeJeon) posted a photo and description of a Chinese restaurant in Cheorwon that provides extra-large servings to military personnel and students.

[Photo by Facebook page 'Yukgun Hullyeonso Daesin Jeonhaedeurimnida.']

Informant A shared the photo of the restaurant, saying, "This Cheorwon eatery actually offers extra-large servings to soldiers."

The menu in the photo shows affordable prices, such as Jjajangmyeon for 5,000 won and fried rice for 7,000 won. A notice reads, "When ordering Jjamppong, 'fried' is added as a free service; for lunch reservation orders, 2 military dumplings per person; extra-large servings for soldiers and students," reflecting the owner's warm generosity. The phrase "extra-large servings for soldiers and students" particularly catches the eye. Below the menu, various certificates of appreciation and plaques from military units are displayed.

After the story of this Chinese restaurant became known, a netizen who sent their son to the military left a thankful comment. Responses included, "My son is currently serving in Pocheon, and I definitely want to visit," "The owner's warm consideration is a great support to the soldiers," and "As a mother of a soldier, I am truly grateful."

Other netizens also showed support, saying, "Places like this deserve to be hugely successful," "Cheorwon is cold, and soldiers endure a lot; the owner is admirable," "Even if soldiers and students pay more, they should be taken care of," and "It's not completely free, but giving extra-large servings for free so they can eat their fill is really commendable."

However, the restaurant has temporarily suspended services for military personnel.

In an interview with the Chosun Ilbo, a representative of the restaurant said, "We have not only offered extra-large servings to soldiers but also visited nearby military units to provide free meals." They added, "However, during COVID-19, soldiers were prohibited from going out, and outsiders were not allowed to enter military bases, so both the service and volunteer work were halted." They also expressed regret, saying, "Currently, due to the high cost of living, we cannot resume the service."

Nonetheless, this Chinese restaurant in Cheorwon is especially in the spotlight because a recent all-you-can-eat barbecue restaurant in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, was revealed to have charged an additional 3,000 won only to military personnel, causing public outrage.

The controversial restaurant charged adults 16,900 won, children aged 7-9 10,000 won, and children aged 4-6 8,000 won, but charged soldiers 19,900 won. Outraged netizens said, "Soldiers are not suckers," and launched a 'star rating attack' on the restaurant through various map apps.

The restaurant is reportedly closing at the end of this year. The restaurant explained, "We operated at a loss, but soldiers would eat about five servings each and leave," implying that they had no choice.

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