Affordable breakfast program expands across South Korean universities
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Across South Korea, 220 universities now offer a subsidized breakfast program providing meals for 5.4 million students, responding to rising living costs.
The “1000 Won Breakfast” initiative began in 2017 with 10 universities and has grown significantly, receiving 11.126 billion won in funding this year, up from 445 million won in 2021. Students pay 1000 won (roughly 75 US cents) for a meal typically costing 5000 won, with the remaining expenses covered by the national government, universities, and local authorities.
Students are increasingly using the program, with one university reporting over 90% of prepared meals being consumed daily. Students report the affordable meals help them arrive on time for morning classes and provide a boost during exam periods. The program’s popularity coincides with increases in food prices. In January, a single roll of gimbap (seaweed rice roll) in Seoul cost 3800 won, a 7.4% increase from the prior year. Some universities are supplementing the program with donations.
Busan University used 20 million won from anonymous alumni to offer free breakfast specials during exam times, with the donors pledging continued annual support. 고려대 (Koryo University) is increasing the number of meals it provides this semester to meet demand.
