1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson discusses the recent price increase of Korean-style noodle dishes, particularly kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles), in Seoul. It provides insights into the “noodle inflation” phenomenon affecting the food industry in South Korea.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가볍게 | gabolkeoge | lightly, casually | “Let’s have a light lunch,” they said. |
| 점심 | jeomshim | lunch | They decided to have lunch. |
| 한 끼 | han kkui | a meal | They had a single meal to tide them over. |
| 때우다 | tteowuda | to tide over, to satisfy temporarily | They had a meal to tide them over. |
| 칼국수 | kalguksu | knife-cut noodles | They ended up eating a bowl of kalguksu. |
| 한 그릇 | han geureut | a bowl (of food) | They had one bowl of kalguksu. |
| 당황하다 | danghwanghada | to be flustered, to be taken aback | They were taken aback after having the bowl of kalguksu. |
| 올해 | olhae | this year | The price increase occurred this year. |
| 많이 | manhi | a lot, greatly | The price increased a lot this year. |
| 오르다 | oreuda | to rise, to increase | The price of kalguksu rose significantly. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
이번 달 서울 지역에서 가장 많이 오른 외식 품목은 ‘칼국수’였다. 칼국수 가격이 올해 9385원에서 9846원으로 4.91% 상승했다. 이처럼 최근 면류 가격이 크게 오르면서 ‘면플레이션’ 현상이 지속되고 있다.
The food item that increased the most in price in Seoul this month was ‘kalguksu’ (knife-cut noodles). The price of kalguksu rose from 9,385 won to 9,846 won, a 4.91% increase. In this way, the prices of noodle dishes have been rising sharply, leading to a persistent “noodle inflation” phenomenon.
최근에는 평균 가격이 1만원에 육박하고, 일부 유명 식당에서는 한 그릇에 1만1000원 이상을 받고 있다. 이는 밀가루 소비자물가지수가 2021년 12월 108.47에서 2022년 138.17로 크게 뛰었기 때문이다.
Recently, the average price is nearing 10,000 won, and some famous restaurants are charging over 11,000 won per bowl. This is because the consumer price index for flour has surged from 108.47 in December 2021 to 138.17 in 2022.
이런 가운데 한 직장인은 “가볍게 점심 한 끼 때우려고 칼국수를 먹었다가 당황했다”며 “이렇게 비싸다니 생각지도 못했다”고 말했다. 삼계탕 등 다른 면류 가격도 꾸준히 오르고 있어, 서민들의 외식 부담이 커지고 있다.
In this context, one office worker said, “I tried to have a light lunch and ended up eating kalguksu, but I was taken aback because it was so expensive. I never expected it to be this pricey.” The prices of other noodle dishes like samgyeopsal have also been steadily rising, increasing the burden of eating out for ordinary citizens.
외식 시장의 ‘면플레이션’ 현상은 최근 몇 년간 지속되고 있다. 밀가루 가격 상승, 인건비 증가 등 다양한 요인이 작용한 결과다. 외식 업계는 이런 비용 상승 압박에 시달리며, 소비자들의 외식 수요도 줄어들고 있는 상황이다.
The “noodle inflation” phenomenon in the dining industry has been ongoing for the past few years. This is the result of various factors, such as the rise in flour prices and increased labor costs. The food service industry is struggling with this cost increase pressure, and consumers’ demand for dining out is also declining.
정부는 물가 안정을 위해 노력하고 있지만, 외식업계의 어려움은 쉽게 해결되지 않을 것으로 보인다. 앞으로도 면류 가격 상승 추세가 계속될 것으로 예상되며, 서민들의 외식 부담은 더욱 가중될 전망이다.
The government is working to stabilize prices, but the difficulties facing the food service industry are not easily resolved. The upward trend in noodle prices is expected to continue, and the burden of dining out for ordinary citizens is likely to increase further.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What was the food item that increased the most in price in Seoul this month?
- How much did the price of kalguksu rise from 2021 to 2022?
- What factors have contributed to the “noodle inflation” phenomenon in the dining industry?
- How has the rise in noodle prices affected consumers’ dining habits?
- What is the government’s approach to addressing the price increases in the food service industry?
5. Cultural and historical notes
Kalguksu, or handmade knife-cut noodles, is a beloved Korean dish that has a long history. It is often considered a comfort food and is popular among all age groups. The recent price surge in kalguksu and other noodle dishes reflects the broader economic challenges facing the food service industry in South Korea, as businesses grapple with rising costs and consumers become more cautious about dining out.