A Revolution on Campus: Korea’s First ‘1,000-Won Store’ for Students Shocks Even Daiso

The Birth of Korea’s ‘1,000-Won Store’: Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Did you know that in Korea, a new kind of store is opening on university campuses, where everything—from instant rice to shampoo—costs just 1,000 won? This isn’t a Daiso or a simple discount shop. It’s a groundbreaking welfare project, launching first at Gachon University and Pyeongtaek University in the second half of 2025. The aim? To help students struggling with soaring living costs by offering daily necessities at a price that feels almost unreal. The project, funded entirely by NH Nonghyup Bank, is the first of its kind in the country and is already making waves in the media and online communities.

How Does the 1,000-Won Store Work? The Student-Only Access and Unique Model

Here’s how it works: Only students currently enrolled at the participating universities can use the store, and they have to verify their identity with a student ID or through a digital authentication system. The store’s inventory—ranging from instant meals, canned tuna, and seasoned seaweed to shampoo and cleansing foam—is decided based on surveys of student preferences. What makes this store truly unique is that it’s run by the student council and other student-led organizations, not by outside vendors. This student-driven model ensures the store meets real needs and empowers students to take charge of their own welfare.

Why Now? The Economic and Social Context Behind the 1,000-Won Store

Korea, like many countries, is facing a period of high inflation and rising living costs. Students, often living away from home and managing tight budgets, are among the hardest hit. The ‘1,000-won store’ is a direct response to these challenges. It builds on the success of the earlier ‘1,000-won breakfast’ initiative, which allowed students to eat a full meal for just 1,000 won. The new store takes things further, offering a range of essentials at prices up to 90% lower than retail. This isn’t just about cheap goods—it’s about ensuring students’ basic rights to affordable living and education.

Who’s Behind the Project? The Power of Collaboration and Social Innovation

This project is the result of a major collaboration between Gyeonggi Province, NH Nonghyup Bank, the Gyeonggi Social Welfare Council, the Gyeonggi Community Chest, and the universities themselves. The entire budget comes from corporate donations, not tuition or student fees. The ‘1,000-won store’ is also the first major project to come out of Gyeonggi’s new ‘Social Innovation Platform,’ a policy lab where citizens, officials, and private organizations work together to solve real-world problems. This approach is being praised as a model for future welfare and social innovation projects in Korea.

Community Buzz: What Are Students and Netizens Saying?

Online communities like Theqoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21 are buzzing with reactions. Many students are excited, calling it ‘a real lifesaver’ and ‘the kind of welfare we actually need.’ Some comments highlight how this could help those who fall through the cracks of traditional financial aid. Others express hope that the program will expand to more universities and even to other groups in need. Of course, there are also skeptics who wonder about sustainability and whether the quality of goods will be maintained, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.

Cultural Insights: Why Is This Such a Big Deal in Korea?

To understand why this project is so significant, you need to know a bit about Korean campus culture and student life. In Korea, university is not just about academics—it’s about independence, community, and, often, financial struggle. Many students work part-time jobs to make ends meet, and the rising cost of living has made things even tougher. The ‘1,000-won store’ is seen as more than just a shop; it’s a symbol of solidarity and a new approach to student welfare. It also reflects a broader trend in Korea toward community-driven solutions and social innovation, where students are not just recipients of aid but active participants in shaping their own futures.

What’s Next? The Future of the 1,000-Won Store and Its National Impact

The pilot at Gachon and Pyeongtaek Universities is just the beginning. If successful, the project could expand to other universities in Gyeonggi Province and even nationwide. Policymakers and university administrators across Korea are watching closely, and there’s already talk of adapting the model for other vulnerable groups, such as young job seekers or low-income families. The hope is that this experiment will inspire more creative, student-led welfare initiatives and set a new standard for how universities and communities support their members.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Cheap Goods—A New Welfare Paradigm

The ‘1,000-won store’ is not just about saving money. It’s about dignity, empowerment, and the belief that every student deserves access to the essentials of daily life. By putting students at the center of the solution and leveraging community resources, Korea is taking a bold step toward a more inclusive and supportive campus culture. As the project unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how it shapes the future of student welfare—not just in Korea, but as a possible model for the world.