Effective Jan. 1, the school meal price has been adjusted to 4,500 KRW. This marks a 1,000 KRW increase from the pre-adjustment 3,500 KRW; the previous increase was in 2022, with the price being increased from 3,000 KRW to the current 3,500 KRW.
The Student Union attempted to negotiate with POSTECH Dining Services, requesting to limit the price increase to 4,000 KRW, to diversify the menu with higher-quality options, and to meet with the President to formally present students’ opinions. However, POSTECH Dining Services stated that the price increase is inevitable due to base operation costs, and that this price increase still only covers 75.9% of the 5,928 KRW product cost. They emphasized that the current inflation has left little room for further budgetary compromises.
Until now, POSTECH Dining Services has attempted to keep prices as low as possible, recognizing that the vast majority of the student population resides on-campus. From 2022 to 2025, POSTECH Dining Services did not increase the price; however, the financial burden has become unsustainable due to overall product costs surging by nearly 20%, with maintenance costs being the highest at 103%, followed by ingredient costs at 91.1%. The product cost per meal rose from 4,920 KRW in 2022 to 5,928 KRW in 2025; operating at 3,500 KRW per meal now incurs an annual deficit of approximately 800 million KRW. Furthermore, the relocation of dining operations to POSCO International Center during the summer renovation of the Jigok Community Center put further stress on the university’s dining budget.
Students’ opinions remain divided, ranging from “neutral” to “very negative.” Some students reacted pragmatically to the price increase, acknowledging the financial pressure and necessity of the price increase to ensure long-term sustainability. However, the general opinion of the student body was negative, citing the steep, sudden nature of the price hike and the absence of a concrete roadmap for quality enhancement. Many expressed that while they understand the rising costs, the 28.5% jump feels heavy. Concerns were also raised regarding the impact on students from low-income backgrounds; if prices continue to escalate year-by-year, financial hardship could quickly accumulate.
In response to this, POSTECH Dining Services announced that another monthly meal plan, in addition to the current 30 and 45-meal plan options, will be announced. For the entire duration of 2026, students will be able to purchase a bundle of 20 meals per month at the legacy rate of 3,500 KRW per meal. This is to lessen students’ burden due to the sudden financial increase. The 30 and 45-meal plan options will be available, but the prices will be proportionately increased to 4,050 KRW and 3,820 KRW respectively. Furthermore, the administration has also promised to work on menu diversity and strengthen hygiene protocols. To better reflect student feedback, a “POchelin Member” system will be operated. Representatives recommended by the Student Council will communicate with the Dining Services to maintain regular communication, monitor quality, and suggest improvements.
Moving forward, POSTECH Dining Services will continue exploring various measures to reduce the financial burden on students and enhance operational efficiency, doing their best to ensure stable meal services. Additionally, to support long-term sustainability, a criterion will be established for adjusting meal prices, along with limits on the rate of increase.
