Kyeongdaria, the beloved campus fast-food spot at Kyungpook National University that students have treated as a go-to snack haven for nearly 30 years, is facing closure. Known for its low prices and generous portions, the restaurant is set to make way for a major expansion and remodel of the central library, and could shut as early as next year—news that has left students and alumni feeling nostalgic and disappointed.
On the 10th, Kyungpook National University and the student cooperative said the building currently used as a library lounge, adjacent to the central library, will be torn down to accommodate the expansion. Kyeongdaria, which operates in that space, will close without relocating.
The exact closing date will depend on the construction schedule, but the shop is expected to close by the second half of next year at the latest.
The library expansion and renovation project carries a budget of 47.7 billion KRW (about $35.8 million). The plan calls for a full remodel of the existing central library plus a new annex, aimed at easing overcrowded collections and modernizing outdated reading spaces so the library can become a learner-centered, future-ready facility.
Design work is slated to finish this year, with construction planned to begin in 2027 and completion targeted for 2030. The revamped library will include study-cafe–style reading rooms and mixed learning areas labeled as Learning Commons and Research Commons.
The sticking point is the expansion site. With no other idle land available on campus, the university chose to demolish the library lounge building—putting Kyeongdaria, the tenant there, on the chopping block.
The university initially explored relocation options, but ultimately decided only the convenience store in the building would move to the new library’s basement. Kyeongdaria will close without being moved.
A library official said there were no suitable sites or buildings for relocation, and that the new library’s space and infrastructure would be limited when it comes to accommodating restaurants or fast-food outlets that require cooking facilities.
Since opening in 1999, Kyeongdaria has been an affordable dining option and a popular alternative to campus cafeterias for roughly three decades. Burgers were priced around 2,800–3,700 KRW (about $2.10–$2.78), and dishes like risotto and pasta were typically in the 5,000 KRW range (around $3.75), earning the spot a reputation for excellent value.
The 1,800 KRW fries (about $1.35) became legendary for their portion size, earning the nickname “Kyeongdaria fries.” During exam season, scenes of students clutching fries and burgers as they dashed between study sessions were an enduring campus image.
Although Kyeongdaria’s sales have slipped as on- and off-campus dining options have diversified, it still accounted for a significant portion of the co-op’s revenue. That’s why many inside the co-op say they regret the decision to shut it down.
A co-op official warned that sales from the convenience store and Kyeongdaria together make up about 70–80% of total revenue, and that moving ahead with construction without a replacement space could have a substantial impact on operations.
Because the shop has been woven into students’ daily routines and memories for so long, current students and alumni have expressed real disappointment at the loss.
A 29-year-old graduate student identified as A, who frequented Kyeongdaria, said, “I came here a lot since my freshman year because it was cheap, and I actually thought it tasted better than other fast-food chains. When I didn’t have time, it was the quickest way to grab a decent meal. Knowing it’s going away feels empty.”
