Impact of high inflation: "Beggar Map" popular among Korean youth
Driven by severe inflation, an app mapping restaurants with meals under 10,000 won has gained 1 million users in 3 weeks, reflecting a shift to thrifty consumption among Korean youth.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 19, 2026 at 09:51
- 🔍 Collected: April 19, 2026 at 11:00 (1h 9m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 11:11 (11 min after Collected)
Recently, the Korean app "Beggar Map" has become a favorite among students and office workers. In an era of soaring prices, a simple lunch can easily exceed 10,000 won (about NT$215); thus, this app consolidates information on restaurants offering meals under 10,000 won on a map.
Within 3 weeks of its launch, the "Beggar Map" app approached 1 million users. The rapid surge in users signifies a massive demand for affordable dining information. Users register stores and leave reviews themselves.
According to the Korea Consumer Agency, a bowl of cold noodles in Seoul costs 12,538 won, and a roll of gimbap is 3,800 won, up 41% from 2020. As burdens increase, dining out is the first expense cut.
Convenience stores have also rolled out discounts on expiring food, with CU reporting an 18.2% year-on-year increase in early morning sales of such items. Simple home cooking for dinner has also become a trend.
Analysts note a shift from "prestige consumption" to "thrifty consumption" among those in their 20s and 30s. The "survival dining" trend is spreading. A professor noted consumers are enduring tough times, urging companies to expand choices through differentiated pricing.
In Seoul, the traditional culture of prolonged drinking parties (going to 3rd or 4th venues) is fading. Young people now head home earlier to catch the last train instead of taking expensive late-night taxis.
Instead of eating unhealthily to save money, they use apps like the "Beggar Map" to proactively combat the pressure of high prices. (Editor: Chen Yen-chun) 1150419
Within 3 weeks of its launch, the "Beggar Map" app approached 1 million users. The rapid surge in users signifies a massive demand for affordable dining information. Users register stores and leave reviews themselves.
According to the Korea Consumer Agency, a bowl of cold noodles in Seoul costs 12,538 won, and a roll of gimbap is 3,800 won, up 41% from 2020. As burdens increase, dining out is the first expense cut.
Convenience stores have also rolled out discounts on expiring food, with CU reporting an 18.2% year-on-year increase in early morning sales of such items. Simple home cooking for dinner has also become a trend.
Analysts note a shift from "prestige consumption" to "thrifty consumption" among those in their 20s and 30s. The "survival dining" trend is spreading. A professor noted consumers are enduring tough times, urging companies to expand choices through differentiated pricing.
In Seoul, the traditional culture of prolonged drinking parties (going to 3rd or 4th venues) is fading. Young people now head home earlier to catch the last train instead of taking expensive late-night taxis.
Instead of eating unhealthily to save money, they use apps like the "Beggar Map" to proactively combat the pressure of high prices. (Editor: Chen Yen-chun) 1150419