[Anchor]
In an era where it is difficult to find a lunch meal for 10,000 won, there is a "kind restaurant" inside a Seoul subway station that has maintained low prices for over a decade. It is a place frequently visited by commuters, known for its many stories of kindness, but it is now at risk of closing next month.
Reporter Cho Min-ki reports.
[Reporter]
A small snack bar located next to the platform at Gasan Digital Complex Station on Seoul Subway Line 1.
"One roll of kimbap and some fish cakes, please."
With kimbap priced at 3,000 won and udon at 4,000 won, the affordable prices have earned the shop many regulars.
[Lee Su-gi / Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province: The kimbap and fish cakes are all delicious. I have been coming here for several years.]
The shop has been designated as a "Good Price Establishment" for the past three years, the only one among all restaurants located within subway stations nationwide.
Despite the steep rise in inflation over the 15 years the shop has been in business, the price of kimbap has remained unchanged for 12 years, and udon for 14 years.
Stories of kindness have also followed, such as the owner not charging elderly customers who are struggling financially.
Now, this restaurant is at risk of closing at the end of next month.
This is because the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), which had extended the contract twice, has decided not to renew it again.
Customers have filled the walls on both sides of the shop with notes pleading for the restaurant not to be removed.
[Lee Deok-soo / Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province: There are not many places that sell food this cheaply. It is very disappointing to hear that it might disappear.]
[Kim Tae-geun / Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province: Society does not really help those who have nothing. I think it is good to have places like this.]
(Thank you. We will definitely protect this kind restaurant.)
[Park An-sang / Restaurant Owner: I tear up every time I come out here at dawn. Just looking at those sticky notes... It is truly difficult, but I have been able to keep going because of the support from the citizens.]
KORAIL plans to put the restaurant space up for competitive bidding, which would likely lead to an increase in rent, making it difficult to maintain the current low prices.
KORAIL stated, "Mr. Park can also participate in the bidding," adding, "However, we will provide time for the restaurant to wrap up operations rather than removing it immediately after the contract expires."
Reported by Cho Min-ki | Video by Kang Si-woo | Video Editing by Lee Sang-min | Graphics by Park Tae-young
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