3,000 Won Kimbap for 12 Years: A Desperate Plea to Save a Beloved Eatery

[Anchor]

In these times when it is difficult to find a lunch for under 10,000 won, there is a "kind restaurant" inside a Seoul subway station that has kept its prices low for over a decade. It has been a place of heartwarming stories, frequently visited by commuters, but it now faces the risk of closing its doors next month.

Reporter Cho Min-ki has the story.

[Reporter]

A snack bar located next to the platform at Gasan Digital Complex Station on Seoul Subway Line 1.

[Customer: I would like one roll of kimbap and some fish cake.]

With kimbap at 3,000 won and udon at 4,000 won, the affordable prices have earned the shop many regulars.

[Lee Soo-gi/Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province: The kimbap and fish cake are both delicious. I have been coming here for several years.]

The shop was designated as a "Good Price Restaurant" three years ago, the only one among all restaurants located within subway stations nationwide.

Despite the steep rise in inflation 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 been many heartwarming stories, such as the owner not charging elderly customers who were 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 renew it again.

Commuters have covered the walls on both sides of the shop with notes pleading for the restaurant not to be demolished.

[Lee Deok-soo/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 does not really help those who have nothing. I think it is good to have places like this.]

[Thank you. We will definitely protect this kind restaurant.]

[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 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 for the restaurant to organize after the contract ends, rather than demolishing it immediately."

Reported by Cho Min-ki | Video by Kang Si-woo | Video Editing by Lee Sang-min | Graphics by Park Tae-young | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.