Real Line Noodles & Samgyetang Prices
Summer Staples Getting More Expensive: Cold Noodles and Samgyetang Price Hikes
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Rising Costs of Beloved Dishes
As summer winds down, the cost of two Korean favorites - cold noodles (naengmyeon) and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) – continues to climb, impacting household budgets across Seoul.Data released on August 20th from the Korea Consumer Source Price Information Portal ‘true Price’ reveals a consistent upward trend in prices throughout the summer months.
Cold Noodle Price Increases
The average price of cold noodles in Seoul rose to 12,223 won last month, a 154 won increase from the 12,069 won recorded in June. This continues a pattern of escalating costs: prices surpassed 10,000 won in April 2022, 11,000 won in June 2023, and reached 12,000 won by December of last year. Though, these figures represent averages; popular restaurants frequently enough charge significantly more.
Well-known establishments like Eulmidae, Urae Ok, Bongpi Yang, and Evaluation currently price a bowl of cold noodles at 16,000 won.Some pyongyang-style cold noodle restaurants are charging between 17,000 and 18,000 won per serving.
Samgyetang Prices also on the Rise
Samgyetang,a customary Korean chicken soup believed to boost energy,is also becoming less affordable. The average price in Seoul increased by 269 won, from 17,7654 won in June to 17,7923 won last month.The price of this restorative dish has steadily increased over the years, exceeding 14,000 won in June 2017, 15,000 won in July 2022, 16,000 won in January 2023, and 17,000 won in July 2024.
Specialty restaurants like Native Villages,Goryeo Samgyetang,and Nonhyeon Samgyetang sell a ‘basic’ bowl of samgyetang for 20,000 won. Adding extra ingredients or garnishes pushes the price even higher.
Broader Food Price Trends
The increases aren’t limited to these summer staples. According to the same data from ‘True Price’, the price of 200g of pork belly rose from 2,447 won in June to 2,639 won last month. Bibimbap increased from 11,462 won to 11,538 won, and Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew) saw a slight increase from 8,500 won to 8,577 won.
| Dish | Price (June) | Price (July) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Noodles | 12,069 won | 12,223 won | +154 won |
| samgyetang | 17,7654 won | 17,7923 won | +269 won |
| Pork Belly (200g) | 2,447 won | 2,639 won | +192 won |
| Bibimbap | 11,462 won | 11,538 won | +76 won |
| Kimchi Jjigae | 8,500 won | 8,577 won | +77 won |