Soaring Dining-Out Prices... Why University Students Are Turning to Temple Dining Halls

With Gimbap Prices Approaching 4,000 Won, High Inflation Hits Hard
Young People with Limited Financial Security Struggle to Afford Meals
From "Beggar Room" and "Beggar Map" to the Free Temple Meal Craze

"I'm not a Buddhist, but since I can save on meal costs, I plan to keep coming!"

Around noon on April 9 at Sangdo Seonwon, a temple in Dongjak-gu, Seoul. Despite the heavy rain, university students kept coming for the "Youth Meal Power" program, held every other Thursday. Following the savory aroma into the dining hall, the menu included mushroom spaghetti, fresh salad, and crispy fried chili chips. Three tables, each seating 4 to 6 people, quickly filled with 12 students. A temple official explained, "These days, we ask students in advance about their preferred menu and prepare accordingly."

Around noon on the 9th, college students visiting Sangdoseonwon in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, are serving temple food. Photo by Ji-ye Lee

With persistently high inflation, so-called survival consumption is spreading among university students with tight budgets. Students are turning to free meal programs at temple dining halls to save on food expenses or sharing online maps of restaurants offering value-for-money meals under 10,000 won, a trend known as the "Beggar Map" culture.

According to the Korea Consumer Agency's Price Information Portal, the average price of eight popular dining-out menu items in Seoul in February 2026 rose by 4.3% compared to the same month last year. Gimbap, with the steepest increase at 7.4%, reached 3,800 won and is approaching the 4,000 won mark. Kalguksu, once considered an affordable meal, now costs 9,962 won per bowl, nearly 10,000 won. Samgyetang, a popular summer stamina dish, averages 18,154 won, making it nearly out of reach for students.

High inflation hits students especially hard, as they mostly rely on limited income from part-time jobs. The culture of "bapyak"—upperclassmen treating freshmen to meals to build camaraderie—has become less feasible as food prices rise. Kim Suhyun, a 21-year-old student at Chung-Ang University who ate at the temple, said, "Even eating two student cafeteria meals alone costs over 10,000 won, so many upperclassmen say they're hesitant to treat their juniors."

According to the Buddhist Jogye Order Social Welfare Foundation, the number of users of free meal programs at major temples, including Youth Meal Power, increased by about 1.5 times compared to last year. At Hwagyesa Temple in Gangbuk-gu, the average number of visitors every Tuesday reaches 120. At Gaewoon Temple in Seongbuk-gu, the number of visitors on alternate Fridays has recently risen from around 20 to over 50. Lee Seohyun, a 21-year-old student at Soongsil University, commented, "Because of meal expenses, competition is so fierce that even if I line up for student meals, I often can't get one."

University students are having a meal at Yeonhwasa Temple in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism Social Welfare Foundation

Youth survival strategies for high inflation continue online as well. The "Beggar Map," which shows only restaurants where meals are under 10,000 won, is a prime example. Created from users’ reviews of value-for-money restaurants, this map is now considered a survival guide among university students. In the anonymous chat room that inspired the map, called "Beggar Room," tips for reducing spending are shared in real time, such as information on free exhibitions, convenience store "1+1" promotions, and how to buy products near their expiration date.

As the impact of high prices first hits young people with weak financial security, calls are growing for more practical measures. Insu Kang, professor of economics at Sookmyung Women's University, said, "Worsening external uncertainties, such as a weak won and instability in the Middle East, could further intensify the difficulties faced by young people. Given these conditions, it is necessary to expand government support policies like the '1,000-won breakfast' program."

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