▲ Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
As the first day of Chobok (the first of the three dog days of summer) approaches, the rising price of samgyetang, a popular health food, is placing an increasing burden on consumers.
According to Chamgaggyeok, a price information portal run by the Korea Consumer Agency, the average price of a bowl of samgyetang in Seoul was 18,154 won as of May this year.
At some well-known specialty restaurants, the price for a single serving has already surpassed 20,000 won.
The price of samgyetang has been on a steady upward trend over the past few years.
Based on May figures in Seoul, the average price rose from 14,077 won in 2021 to 14,577 won in 2022, and reached 16,423 won in 2023, marking the first time it exceeded the 16,000 won threshold. Last year, it recorded 17,654 won.
After breaking the 18,000 won mark for the first time in August last year, prices have remained at that high level.
Compared to five years ago, the price has increased by 4,077 won (29.0 percent).
Samgyetang remains one of the most expensive items among major dining-out menus.
As of May this year, the most expensive major dining-out menu item in Seoul was samgyeopsal (pork belly, calculated per 200g) at 21,321 won, followed by samgyetang at 18,154 won.
Naengmyeon (cold noodles) at 12,615 won, bibimbap at 11,769 won, and kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) at 10,038 won followed in the rankings.
The rise in the price of restaurant-served samgyetang has outpaced the increase in raw material costs.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) and its Korea Agricultural Marketing Information Service (KAMIS), the national average retail price of broiler chickens in May this year was 6,518 won per kilogram, a 20.0 percent increase from May 2021 (5,433 won).
This figure is lower than the 29.0 percent price increase for samgyetang in Seoul over the same period.
In addition to the cost of chicken, samgyetang requires various ingredients such as glutinous rice, garlic, jujubes, and ginseng. The price hike appears to be a complex reflection of rising costs across the restaurant industry, including labor, rent, and public utility fees.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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