Keeping '3,000 Won Kimbap' for 12 Years: Is This 'Kind Restaurant' Facing Closure?

[Anchor]

Amid the current high inflation, there is a restaurant inside a Seoul subway station that has kept its kimbap price at 3,000 won for over a decade. While it has warmed the hearts of citizens with numerous stories of kindness, it is now at risk of closing its doors next month.

Reporter Cho Min-ki investigates the reason why.

[Reporter]

A 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 at 3,000 won and udon at 4,000 won, the affordable prices have attracted many regulars.

[Lee Su-gi / Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province: The kimbap and fish cakes are all delicious. I must have been coming here for several years.]

It has been designated as a 'Good Price Restaurant' for the past three years, the only one among all restaurants located within subway stations nationwide.

Despite the steep rise in prices over the 15 years the shop has been in business, the price of kimbap has remained the same for 12 years, and udon for 14 years.

There have also been many stories of kindness, 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 extend it any further.

Customers have filled the walls on both sides with sticky notes asking not to tear down the shop.

[Lee Deok-su / 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 doesn't really help those who have nothing, does it? I think it is good to have places like this.]

[(Thank you.) We will make sure to protect this kind restaurant.]

[Park An-sang / Restaurant Owner: I cry every time I come in at dawn. Just looking at those sticky notes... It is truly difficult, but I have been able to keep going because the citizens have supported me.]

KORAIL plans to put the restaurant space up for competitive bidding, which would likely increase the rent and make it difficult to maintain the current low prices.

KORAIL stated, "Mr. Park can also participate in the bidding," adding, "However, we will provide time to clear out the restaurant after the contract ends rather than tearing it down immediately."

Reported by Cho Min-ki | Video by Kang Si-woo | Video Editing by Lee Sang-min | Graphics by Park Tae-young

※