Long line in front of the cafeteria… With prices soaring, efforts are made to “reduce eating out expenses”

As soon as the general election is over, price increase announcements are being made here and there. There are some companies that delay raising prices at the government’s request, but many point out that it will be difficult to control prices this way. As the price of food increases, cafeterias are crowded with office workers trying to save even a penny.

Reporter Dasom Gong covered the story.

[기자]

During weekday lunch hours, long lines form outside the cafeteria.

The price of a meal including soup, three or four side dishes, and drinks is less than 10,000 won.

[김득/서울 시흥5동 : 식당 가면 보통 1만원, 싼 게 9천원 하는데 여기는 그래도 7천원 하면 저렴하잖아요. 월급이 별로 안되니까 먹고 살기 힘드니까 좀 저렴한 거를 먹어야죠.]

Last month, the rate of increase in restaurant prices was 3.4%, exceeding the average price increase rate, and this phenomenon has continued for two years.

As the price of old goods increases, the number of thrifty people who want to save every penny has increased.

[이주병/서울 가산동 : 요새 (식비가) 많이 올랐거든요. 한 달로 따지면 식비가 10만원 이상 줄어드는 효과가 있어서 일부러 (구내식당을) 찾는 부분도 없지 않아 있습니다.]

In fact, according to a survey by a household account book app, spending on eating out has decreased by more than 20% compared to a year ago.

In addition, major restaurant franchises such as chicken, hamburgers, and kimbap are raising prices in earnest right after the general election, so eating out consumption is expected to decline further.

In addition, with the price of nuclear ash and oil soaring, an increase in the overall cost of living is inevitable.

There are a series of cases where related companies tried to raise prices but withdrew due to government pressure.

One confectionery company tried to raise the price of chocolate products starting next month, but delayed the increase by a month at the government’s request, and CJ Logistics withdrew its attempt to increase the convenience store delivery fee by 50 won.

However, some point out that the government’s artificial price management will reach its limits in a situation where there are clear factors causing price increases.

[영상디자인 김관후]