Summer delicacies samgyetang and naengmyeon see increased costs according to new statistics
In the heart of South Korea, the capital city of Seoul, the prices of some beloved dishes have been on an upward trend in recent years. According to the Korea Consumer Agency's price data portal, popular dishes such as samgyetang and naengmyeon have seen significant price increases.
Let's start with samgyetang, a traditional Korean dish made with a whole young chicken, ginseng, and various other ingredients, often enjoyed during the hot summer months. In July 2025, the average price for a serving of samgyetang in Seoul was 17,923 won, an increase from 17,654 won in June 2025. Prices for samgyetang have been on an upward trend, surpassing 17,000 won back in July 2024.
Another popular dish, naengmyeon, a cold noodle dish, has also seen a rise in prices. In June 2023, the price for a bowl of naengmyeon surpassed 11,000 won for the first time. This trend continued, with prices consistently rising, surpassing 12,000 won in December 2024. The average price for a serving of naengmyeon in Seoul was 12,423 won in July 2025, an increase from 12,169 won in June 2025.
Other dishes, such as bibimbap and kimchi-jjigae, have also been affected by the price rise. Bibimbap, a rice dish topped with various vegetables and a fried egg, has seen its price surge, with a serving costing 11,538 won in July 2025. Kimchi-jjigae, a spicy stew made with kimchi and pork or seafood, has also risen in price, reaching 8,577 won per serving in the same month.
The Korea Consumer Agency compiles monthly average prices for eight major dining options in South Korea, including samgyetang, naengmyeon, samgyeopsal, bibimbap, gimbap, jajangmyeon, kalguksu, and kimchi-jjigae. While the prices for kalguksu, jajangmyeon, and naengmyeon remained the same from June to July in Seoul, the prices for samgyetang and naengmyeon continued to rise.
It's important to note that both samgyetang and naengmyeon are popular dishes in Korea, especially enjoyed during the summertime. Samgyetang, often eaten on "bok" days due to the warm broth's belief to help stabilize the body in extreme heat, is a traditional dish that holds significant cultural value. Naengmyeon, a refreshing dish, is a welcome relief during the hot summer days.
Interestingly, July 20 is the first of three especially hot days in summer according to Korean tradition, known as "chobok." These days are believed to be the hottest days of the year, making the rise in prices of these popular summer dishes even more noticeable.
As the prices of these dishes continue to rise, it will be interesting to see how the trend develops in the coming months. For now, customers in Seoul can still enjoy these delicious dishes, albeit at a slightly higher cost.
