Are Korean young people all obsessed with this app? 거지맵 (Beggar Map) goes viral as a lifesaver in the era of high prices

In an era when everything is getting more expensive except salaries, young people in South Korea have come up with all kinds of ways to save money. A new app called “거지맵 (Beggar Map),” recently launched on the Apple App Store, has already drawn huge attention. What makes it so special? Let’s find out!

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Surviving the high-cost-of-living era: 거지맵, the Beggar Map

If you follow Korean pop culture, you’re probably familiar with the recently popular “Beggar Chat Rooms” (거지방). In these anonymous groups, young people keep one another’s daily spending in check, even humorously and sharply criticizing members who buy expensive coffee or designer goods. The app 거지맵 carries on this distinctly Korean brand of dark humor. Its developer, Sungsu Choi, writes in the app description: “Survive the high-cost-of-living era with Beggar Map (거지맵으로 고물가 시대 살아남기).” Though its name is full of self-deprecation, it is at heart an exceptionally practical everyday tool that perfectly speaks to the concerns of younger generations.

So what exactly can this app do? On the App Store, it’s listed under “Food & Drink.” Its core function, as its name suggests, is to help users find great-value restaurants and exclusive deals on a map. From affordable eateries tucked away on side streets and limited-time free sampling events to deeply discounted convenience-store items, everything is clearly marked on the map. For budget-conscious workers who worry about what to have for lunch every day and want to save money without going hungry, it’s a real lifesaver.

The app is completely free to download, as long as your Apple device is updated to iOS 15.1 or later. It supports iPhone and iPad, and even runs smoothly on Mac computers equipped with an Apple M1 chip or later. Version 1.0 officially launched in April 2026, and the system is still being optimized. More user-contributed money-saving locations are expected to be added in the future.

A go-to guide to hidden affordable eats for your trip to South Korea

Though the app was designed for people in South Korea, it can also be a secret weapon for women planning a trip there who want to discover affordable local favorites. Restaurants frequented by tourists tend to cost more, so the next time you’re in Seoul after a shopping spree and want to keep your food budget in check, try opening the “Beggar Map.” With affordable spots personally marked by young Koreans, you may discover unexpected delights and delicious finds. This new trend, born out of no-spend challenges, looks set to remain popular for some time in this era of high prices.

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