SEOUL — South Korea plans to raise the meal price cap for public officials and other specific professions later this month, a move that reflects changes in economic conditions since the implementation of the anti-corruption law in 2016.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission last month decided to increase the meal price limit from 30,000 won (approximately US$21.61) to 50,000 won. This adjustment aims to align with current price levels and is expected to benefit small business and restaurant owners by boosting domestic consumption. “The revision will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval next week and is slated to go into effect late this month following presidential approval,” the official noted. The price cap adjustment under the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, commonly known as the Kim Young-ran law, is part of broader efforts to maintain transparency and combat corruption within the public sector.