"Did They Accidentally Add a Zero?" — 16,000-Won Bread Price Sparks Shock

[Financial News] As bakery prices in South Korea continue to rise, a photo showing a single loaf priced at 16,000 won has spread online, drawing criticism.
On the 23rd, a post titled "Are these bakery prices really right?" was uploaded to the online community Nate Pann.
The author, identified as A, shared a photo of bread price tags marked at 15,000 won and 16,000 won and questioned, "Who would buy and eat that?"
Internet users who saw the post reacted by saying, "I’d rather just add a little more and eat chicken," "Even if you take 10,000 won off that price, it would still be something to think about, but this makes me not even consider it," "That is way too much. Isn’t that really price gouging?" and "Did they accidentally add one extra zero?"
Others offered a different view, saying, "The ingredients and price point there are clearly targeted at a specific customer base. It means only people who want to eat it should buy it," "If people are buying it, then that’s why it sells. I don’t know the exact details, but if they used proper ingredients, it could be expensive," and "If you don’t have the money, you can just not eat it."
In fact, bakery prices in South Korea have been on a steady upward trend.
According to Newsis News Agency, Samil PwC's "2025 Korea Bakery Price Index," released in May, stood at 138, higher than Japan's 126, the United States' 126, and Paris, France's 120. The report suggests that bakery prices in South Korea are higher than those in major countries.
Bakery chains have also continued to raise prices.
Paris Baguette raised prices by an average of 5.0% for 127 items, including 86 bread products and 41 cakes and desserts, starting on the 25th. This was its first price increase in one year and six months, since February last year.
Paris Baguette said, "We were forced to adjust prices due to rising raw material costs and various other expenses."
Other affiliates of Paris Croissant, which operates Paris Baguette, are also raising prices one after another. Dunkin', run by BR Korea, raised the prices of 39 donut items by an average of 6.5% starting on the 2nd, while Samlip, another affiliate, plans to raise the prices of 59 bread products by an average of 9.4% starting on the 1st of next month.
Tous les Jours, operated by CJ Foodville, also raised its recommended retail prices for a total of 76 products by an average of 8.2% starting on the 31st of last month.
[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter