A small snack bar sits right next to the platform at Gasan Digital Complex Station on Seoul Subway Line 1.
[Voice: "One roll of gimbap and some fish cakes, please."]
With gimbap priced at 3,000 won and udon at 4,000 won, the affordable prices have earned the shop many regulars.
[Interview: Lee Soo-gi / Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do: "The gimbap and fish cakes are all delicious. I must have been coming here for several years now."]
The shop was designated as a "Good Price Restaurant" three years ago, the only one among all subway station restaurants across the country.
Despite operating for 15 years and facing sharp inflation, the prices for gimbap and udon have remained unchanged for 12 and 14 years, respectively.
There have also been heartwarming stories, such as the owner refusing to take money from elderly customers who are struggling financially.
Now, this restaurant is on the verge 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.
Commuters have filled the walls on both sides with sticky notes, pleading for the shop not to be removed.
[Interview: Lee Deok-soo / Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi-do: "There are not many places that sell food this cheaply. It is very disappointing to hear that it is disappearing."]
[Interview: Kim Tae-geun / Gunpo, Gyeonggi-do: "Society doesn't really help those who have nothing. I think it would be better to keep places like this."]
[Voice: "(Thank you.) We will definitely protect this 'Good Price' restaurant."]
[Interview: 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 tough, 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 is also eligible to participate in the bidding," adding, "We will provide time for the restaurant to clear out rather than removing it immediately after the contract ends."
"3,000 Won Gimbap" for 12 Years... Desperate Notes Say "Please Protect It" (July 1, 2026, 8 O'Clock News)
Reported by Cho Min-ki | Written by Kim Da-yeon | Video by Kang Si-woo | Video Editing by Lee Sang-min | Graphics by Park Tae-young | Produced by SBS Digital News
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