Average prices of 5 popular eating-out dishes keep rising

People pass by a restaurant in Seoul, Tuesday. According to the Korea Consumer Agency, the average price of a single portion of “samgyeopsal,” or 200 grams of pork belly, reached 20,083 won ($14.5) at restaurants in Seoul, surpassing the 20,000-won mark for the first time. The price is up 21.1 percent compared to three years ago. Yonhap

The average prices of five popular eating-out dishes in Korea kept rising last month, data showed Tuesday, in the latest sign that soaring food inflation is taking a bite out of people's pocketbooks.

In particular, the price of "samgyeopsal," or pork belly, rose 4.9 percent on year to 20,083 won ($14.57) per 200 grams in May, according to data from the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA).

Compared with three years ago, the price of pork belly jumped 21.1 percent in May, the data showed.

A bowl of "jajangmyeon," or black bean sauce noodles enjoyed by most people here, fetched 7,223 won last month, up from 7,146 won a month earlier.

"Gimbap," a rice roll with vegetables, cost an average 3,423 won last month, up from 3,362 won in April, the data showed.

The average prices of "bibimbap," a dish consisting of a bowl of warm white rice topped with seasoned vegetables and chili pepper paste, and kimchi stew also rose to 10,846 won and 8,192 won each, according to the data. (Yonhap)