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According to Chosun BizKFC Korea increased prices on 23 menu items starting March 13. The price of its signature Original Chicken rose by 300 won (US$0.20) to 3,600 won, while other chicken items were raised by about 200 won each.

Following the adjustments, a KFC outlet in Yeongdeungpo District in western Seoul saw a noticeably quieter lunchtime crowd over the weekend, the Korea JoongAng Daily reported. Customers cited higher prices as a key reason for the subdued demand.

“I often bought KFC chicken because it was cheaper than specialty chicken restaurants, but now choosing three pieces costs more than 10,000 won, which feels expensive,” said Shin Jeong Eun, a customer at the outlet.

Other chains have implemented similar increases. McDonald’s Korea last month raised menu prices by an average of 2.4%, according to Yonhap News Agency. Under the new pricing, the Big Mac combo rose from 7,200 won to 7,600 won.

“The revision was inevitable due to the won’s weakness against the U.S. dollar, which has driven up raw material costs, as well as higher labor expenses,” the company said in a statement.

Burger King Korea has also increased prices on 49 menu items, while local chain Mom’s Touch raised prices on 43 items earlier this month.

Industry experts also point to elevated global oil prices, linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, as an additional factor driving up operating and supply costs for fast-food operators.

A burger franchise industry official told Chosun Biz that consumers have become “more price-sensitive” regarding everyday expenses, including meals, acknowledging a broader slowdown in demand.

Analysts say the trend of rising prices is unlikely to ease in the near term.

“Restaurant franchises that rely heavily on imported ingredients face greater cost pressure when the won weakens, so many are raising prices in advance to reduce potential losses,” said Lee Hong Joo, a professor of consumer economics at Sookmyung Women’s University, as reported by Korea JoongAng Daily.

“The price increases will likely spread across the restaurant industry.”