Once a staple of Korean diners eateries serving homely food are vanishing

South Korea’s “baekbanjip”, or restaurants serving home-styled meals that include a bowl of rice, soup and a variety of freshly prepared side dishes, are on their way out as consumers gravitate towards something new.

Amid the rise of social media culture, many people seek out stylish settings that offer unique dining experiences, ambience and laid-back enjoyment.

Ms Kim Young-hee, 70, the chef and owner of a baekbanjip called Cheongju Restaurant in Hapjeong-dong, western Seoul, bears the brunt of changing consumer demands.

Ten years ago, Ms Kim served an average of at least 100 customers a day. Today, that number has dwindled to around 50.

When she opened her eatery 20 years ago, there were around 10 baekbanjip nearby. Now, hers is the only one remaining in the area popular among young people.

Ms Kim said that the closures reflected the struggles of old-styled restaurants serving simple, home-cooked dishes. Once a staple of South Korea’s culinary culture, these eateries now face competition from trendy food options.

“The traditional cuisine we once loved cannot keep up with the changes. People now go for Western culinary tastes or something fusion. I can tell that many young customers who come to the area head to the ramen restaurant next to mine rather than to my place,” Ms Kim told The Korea Herald.

Jeil Miga, a popular baekbanjip near Sungkyunkwan University, which served budget-friendly meals to students for over 30 years shut down in 2021, Ms Kim said.

A baekbanjip near Hallym University in Chuncheon, Gangwon province, wound up in March 2024 after nearly two decades in business.

Rising costs of ingredients are also to blame for the difficulties, according to Ms Kim. A 4.5kg box of spinach that cost 10,000 won (S$9.19) 10 years ago, now costs around 20,000 won.

According to the Korea