"Extra Lettuce Costs 2,000 Won" Notice… Free Refills Disappearing

How would you feel if a restaurant told you they would charge an extra 2,000 won when you asked for a bit more lettuce? You probably wouldn't be too happy.

However, restaurants are reportedly finding it difficult to keep handing out vegetables for free these days as vegetable prices soar.

A notice has been posted at a restaurant in Seoul stating that an additional 2,000 won will be charged for extra lettuce.

Refills used to be free, but restaurants started charging extra as vegetable prices surged.

Some restaurants are even starting to grow their own wrap vegetables directly to reduce cost burdens.

So, just how much have vegetable prices risen?

According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, the retail price of perilla leaves rose 28% compared to a month ago.

Compared to July 10, just before the nation's first heat wave warnings were issued in South Gyeongsang and North Gyeongsang provinces, prices jumped 49%.

Green lettuce rose 25% over the past month, and napa cabbage (albaegi baechu) also increased by 33%.

With such growing cost pressures, an increasing number of restaurants are turning not only wrap vegetables but also extra side dishes into paid options.

(Source: The Chosun Ilbo)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.