‘3,000 Won Kimbap’ for 12 Years: A Desperate Plea to Keep the Doors Open

[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 maintained low prices for over a decade. It has been a place of heartwarming stories, frequently visited by commuters, but it is now at risk of closing next month.

Reporter Cho Min-ki reports.

[Reporter]

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

[One roll of kimbap and some fish cakes, please.]

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 cakes are all delicious. I have been coming here for several years.]

The shop has been designated as a "Good Price Restaurant" for the past three years, the only one among all restaurants located in subway stations across the country.

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 refusing to take money from elderly customers who were struggling financially.

Now, this restaurant faces the threat of closing its doors 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.

Customers have filled the walls on both sides with notes pleading for the shop 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 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 make sure to protect this kind restaurant.]

[Park An-sang / Restaurant Owner: I cry 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 of the support from the citizens.]

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, "We will provide time for the shop 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
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.