Business · Economy · 1 hr ago
Rail station food prices rose by an average 12.5% per increase
Food outlets in Korean railway stations raised prices by an average of 12.5% each time in a review of 125 approved increases from 2021 through 2026.
In a separate check of 75 items at seven stations, 10 cost more than at nearby shops, while 51 cost less and 14 had the same price.
Some differences were substantial: a ramen dish at Busan Station cost 5,500 won, 37.5% more than at a nearby shop.
The review also raised questions about how price increases were assessed, because some approval requests did not clearly state a reason and the records did not show how cost rises were checked.
Lawmaker Kim Mi-ae said Korail Retail should take responsibility for keeping station meals affordable for passengers.
She called on the transport ministry and Korail Retail to review price approvals and shop fees and develop measures to ease food costs; no specific measures were announced.
Railway station food outlets raised prices by an average of 12.5% each time, according to an analysis of 125 approved increases from 2021 through 2026.
Of the increases, 79 were at least 10% and 15 were at least 20%.
A survey of 75 products at seven stations found that 10 cost more than comparable products at nearby shops.
At Busan Station, one outlet’s ramen cost 37.5% more than at a nearby shop.
Lawmakers called on Korail Retail and the transport ministry to review price approvals and ease the burden on passengers.
- Who
- Korail Retail food outlets and rail passengers; the findings were presented by lawmaker Kim Mi-ae.
- What
- An analysis found an average 12.5% increase each time prices were raised, and some station food cost more than nearby alternatives.
- When
- The price-increase analysis covered 2021 through 2026. The comparison survey took place September 7–11; the year was not stated.
- Where
- Railway stations in South Korea, including seven stations covered in the price comparison.
- Why
- The analysis examined approved food-price increases and compared station prices with those at nearby shops.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Korail Retail records included 125 approved food-price increases during this period.
Korail Retail compared prices for 75 products at shops in seven stations with prices at nearby outlets.
Yonhap published the analysis of station food prices and the comparison survey.
- Average increase per price rise
- 12.5%
- Approved increases analysed
- 125
- Increases of at least 10%
- 79 (63.2%)
- Products compared
- 75 across seven stations
- Station products priced higher
- 10 of 75
- Busan Station ramen
- 5,500 won, 37.5% more than the nearby shop’s 4,000 won
1 source
What people are saying
Railway station food prices are directly connected to the living costs of people who use trains.
Korail Retail should not stop at approving price increases; it must fulfill its responsibility as a public institution so people can have a meal without financial burden.