Kimbap shops in South Korea are facing a significant decline due to soaring ingredient costs and increasing competition from convenience stores. The prices of essential ingredients have risen sharply, with dry seaweed increasing from 990 won to 1,360 won, carrots from 6,250 won to 7,580 won, cucumbers from 13,100 won to 14,600 won, and spinach from 2,360 won to 3,790 won. Additionally, delivery fees have surged from 6.8% to 9.8% per order, contributing to the financial strain on these businesses. As a result, the average price of kimbap has increased by 8.4%, reaching 3,485 won [659ef35f].
The decline in kimbap shops is stark, with the total number decreasing by 4.6% from 48,898 in 2021 to 46,639 in 2022. This trend reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior, as rice consumption hit a record low of 56.4 kg per person in 2023, indicating changing dietary preferences among the South Korean population [659ef35f].
Despite the challenges, some businesses are still managing to thrive. For instance, Gimbap Heaven reported sales of 230 million won in 2023, although its operating profit plummeted by 72.2% to just 4.4 million won. This highlights the struggle many kimbap shops face in maintaining profitability amidst rising costs and competition from more convenient food options [659ef35f].
As kimbap shops continue to close, the future of this traditional Korean dish may be at risk, raising concerns about the preservation of culinary heritage in the face of modern consumer trends and economic pressures [659ef35f].