Pedestrians walk by a Popeyes store in Seoul, Monday. Newsis

Food firms and restaurant chains in Korea have resumed price hikes, after they followed the government's request to make efforts to soften the effects of inflation until the general elections finished last Wednesday, according to industry officials, Monday.

Popeyes Korea raised its prices on fried chicken, sandwiches, desserts and beverages by 4 percent on average, Monday. Popeyes charges a 5 percent fee on deliveries.

This is the first time for the U.S. fast food chain to raise its prices here, since it returned to Korea in December 2022, after its withdrawal in late 2020 — entering the Korean market in 1994.

"Due to the recent inflation, labor costs and delivery fees, we had no choice but to adjust our product prices," a Popeyes Korea official said. "We will minimize customer burden by offering various discount options."

A pedestrian passes a Goobne store in Seoul, Monday. Newsis

Goobne, specializing in oven-roasted chicken, also increased its prices on nine of its products the same day by 1,900 won ($1.40).

The company cited rising delivery, personnel and rental expenses over the past few years, emphasizing that its franchisees have suffered worsening profits.

This is the first time in two years for the chicken franchise to raise its prices. In February 2022, it hiked the prices for its Goobne Original and Pepper Crispy chicken items by 1,000 won.

Last year, bhc and Kyochon F&B raised their prices for their fried chicken meals. Genesis BBQ also hiked its prices for its popular menu items by 2,000 won in 2022.

Industry officials expect the trend of price hikes to spread throughout the food industry, as companies have refrained from raising their product prices due to government pressure, despite soaring ingredient costs.

Lotte Wellfood, known as the maker of Ghana Chocolate, is reportedly considering hiking its chocolate prices, due to the global shortage of cocoa and sugar.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok said Monday that the government will take stern measures against price hikes, if they are considered to be taking advantage of the rise in international oil prices.

"The government will make all-out efforts to prevent inflation, keeping a close watch on growing uncertainty over commodity prices," he said.