SALINA — Seoul USA Korean Restaurant, a longtime staple in the Salina dining scene, is at risk of closing after nearly a decade in business due to a significant rent increase.
The restaurant, known for offering authentic Korean cuisine and one of the few providers of fresh, traditional Korean dishes in the area, recently announced that its landlord is raising the monthly rent by $600. While the owner expressed appreciation for the landlord’s generosity in past years, they acknowledged that the increase is simply unaffordable under current circumstances.
“I can’t pay that much more rent,” the owner shared in a public post. “I’ve barely been able to cover it every month.”
The restaurant’s large dining area, once busy with dine-in customers, has seen a steady decline in traffic since the COVID-19 pandemic, as more customers have shifted to take-out orders. This shift has made maintaining the current space increasingly difficult.
The owner is now seeking a smaller, more affordable location within Salina in hopes of continuing operations. “If I cannot find any, I have to close the business,” the owner said. “I hope that is not the option.”
Seoul USA has built a loyal following over the years for its homemade dishes and unique culinary offerings, which stand out in a region with limited Korean food options. Community members are being asked to help spread the word or suggest potential locations to help the restaurant remain open.
To contact Seoul USA Korean Restaurant, you can reach them by:
📞 Phone: (785) 404-2114
📧 Email: seoulusa.kr@gmail.com
They welcome inquiries about potential new locations or community support to help keep their business open in Salina.
