The cost of ingredients for cooking pork belly at home rose by about 12% in the first half of this year compared to a year ago.

During the same period, the increase in dining-out prices for pork belly remained under 3%, narrowing the price gap between home-cooked meals and dining out.

According to a thematic price trend report released today (the 25th) by the Korea Consumer Agency through its price information portal "Price Information," the average ingredient cost for a single serving of pork belly in the first half of this year was 10,191 won, up 11.8% from 9,112 won in the same period last year.

The survey calculates the combined price of 200g of pork belly, 50g of kimchi, 15g of garlic, 70g of lettuce, and 15g of ssamjang (seasoned soybean paste).

Looking at major items, pork belly rose 13.6% to 7,866 won.

Lettuce increased by 6.3% to 1,314 won, and kimchi rose by 1.2% to 585 won.

Garlic rose by 10.2% to 281 won, while ssamjang increased by 19.8% to 145 won.

Consequently, the ingredient cost for a pork belly meal for a four-member family is estimated to exceed 40,000 won.

On the other hand, the average dining-out price for a single serving of pork belly in the first half of this year was 17,745 won, a 2.7% increase from the same period last year.

As a result, the price difference between dining out and purchasing ingredients to eat at home decreased by 619 won, dropping from 8,173 won in the first half of 2025 to 7,554 won in the first half of this year.

With prices for pork belly at restaurants on the rise alongside increasing home-ingredient costs, observers note that it will not be easy for the public to find immediate relief regarding grocery shopping burdens.