Han, who works in Koreatown, Los Angeles, now enjoys choosing his lunch menu. Although he packs his lunch two or three times a week, on other days, he visits various restaurants in the area to enjoy delicious meals at affordable prices. Until recently, due to rising dining costs, he preferred food courts, fast food, or takeout-friendly Western cuisine where tips were not expected. But now, things have changed. With more Korean and Chinese restaurants in Koreatown significantly lowering their prices, even with tips, the financial burden has lessened.

Even "In-N-Out," known for its fresh and reasonably priced offerings loved by California residents, has finally raised the price of its set menu by 9.5%. In these times of soaring dining costs, even fast food is becoming too expensive to enjoy freely. However, contrary to the trend of high prices, more Korean restaurants are reducing their prices, gaining significant support from Korean Americans who are feeling the financial pinch.

Chinese restaurants have led the charge in offering deep discounts. "LA Hong Ra Gak," located at Western Avenue and 4th Street, recently under new ownership, offers Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) for $6.99 and seafood-packed Jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup) for $9.99. Originally planned as a limited-time promotion to celebrate their grand opening, the restaurant has maintained these prices due to the influx of customers who heard about the discounts. "Zombie Chicken & Nolbu Jjamppong" on 3rd Street is selling Jajangmyeon at an unprecedented price of $4.99. At "Lulune" 2nd branch, newly opened in the Rodeo Galleria Shopping Mall on Western Avenue, Jajangmyeon is priced at $8.99, while at the Vermont Galleria Market food court, it is available for $9.13. Most recently, "Jjamppong Jizon Wilshire" began selling Jajangmyeon for $8.99 all day, seven days a week.

Joining the wave of discounts initiated by Chinese restaurants, Korean restaurants are also participating, spreading the trend of price reduction further. "Tongkeun Seolleongtang," located at Olympic Boulevard and New Hampshire Avenue, is offering a "buy one, get one free" promotion for takeout orders. "Hanshin Pocha" at City Center on 6th Street offers eight different lunch box menus for $8.99.

Meanwhile, "Seolga" at Beverly Boulevard and Hobart Boulevard has temporarily reduced the price of their Brisket Seolleongtang from $19.99 to $9.99.

"Hyunpoong Halmaejip Gomtang," located on the north side of Western Avenue and 3rd Street, is offering a $5.99 all-day event. The $5.99 menu includes two dishes: Mugwort Hangover Soup and Mul-naengmyeon (cold noodles). "Jumak" (formerly Chomak) at Western Avenue and 4th Street has reduced the price of their $14.99 Arrowroot Noodles to $7.99 for their summer sale, available from 11 AM to 5 PM.

On Sunday, the 18th, during lunchtime, the owner of Hong Ra Gak, looking busy with the influx of customers, commented, "Thanks to the discounted menu, sales of our regular menu have also increased. Customers are happy to dine at lower prices, and we benefit from higher sales. It's a win-win situation."

<Hwang, Eui-kyung>