This year's kimjang cost has fallen below 200,000 won, decreasing by 9% compared to the same period last year due to a drop in prices for key ingredients like cabbage and radish.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), the average cost of kimjang was reported at 199,456 won as of November 9, down 19,615 won from the average of 219,071 won in early November last year.
The survey was based on the cost of ingredients needed for a family of four to prepare kimjang using 20 heads of cabbage. It included 13 key ingredients such as cabbage, radish, red pepper powder, and garlic, collected from 17 traditional markets and 36 large retailers across 22 regions nationwide. The prices reflect government discounts on agricultural products, the Korea Seafood Festival, and discounts from retailers.
The decline in kimjang costs was primarily influenced by a significant drop in cabbage prices. The area planted with fall cabbage has increased, and favorable growing conditions have led to a 26.5% decrease in cabbage prices compared to early November last year. Prices for radish and red pepper powder also fell by 5.6% and 1.8%, respectively.
Production of fall cabbage and radish is expected to rise by 18.5% and 11.1%, respectively, compared to last year.
However, prices for peeled garlic and salted shrimp have increased due to reduced production. Nonetheless, their overall impact on kimjang costs remains limited due to their smaller share in the total ingredient cost.
aT anticipates that the supply of key items like cabbage will continue to increase after mid-November, along with ongoing discount support for peeled garlic and salted shrimp, keeping kimjang costs lower than last year.
To support farmers facing difficulties due to falling agricultural prices during the kimjang season, the government is promoting a "Kimjang Sharing and Giving" campaign. This initiative aims to boost agricultural consumption and assist vulnerable groups in preparing for winter.
The Korea Kimchi Association is also facilitating bulk orders of kimchi for sharing through public institutions and private companies via its member companies. Detailed ordering information can be found on the association's website.
Lee Jae-wook, aT's supply and demand director, stated, "To assist farmers struggling with falling ingredient prices, aT will not only purchase and stockpile key items but also provide weekly updates on kimjang costs and conduct certification events to promote kimchi consumption, striving to create a kimjang boom."
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), the average cost of kimjang was reported at 199,456 won as of November 9, down 19,615 won from the average of 219,071 won in early November last year.
The survey was based on the cost of ingredients needed for a family of four to prepare kimjang using 20 heads of cabbage. It included 13 key ingredients such as cabbage, radish, red pepper powder, and garlic, collected from 17 traditional markets and 36 large retailers across 22 regions nationwide. The prices reflect government discounts on agricultural products, the Korea Seafood Festival, and discounts from retailers.
The decline in kimjang costs was primarily influenced by a significant drop in cabbage prices. The area planted with fall cabbage has increased, and favorable growing conditions have led to a 26.5% decrease in cabbage prices compared to early November last year. Prices for radish and red pepper powder also fell by 5.6% and 1.8%, respectively.
Production of fall cabbage and radish is expected to rise by 18.5% and 11.1%, respectively, compared to last year.
However, prices for peeled garlic and salted shrimp have increased due to reduced production. Nonetheless, their overall impact on kimjang costs remains limited due to their smaller share in the total ingredient cost.
aT anticipates that the supply of key items like cabbage will continue to increase after mid-November, along with ongoing discount support for peeled garlic and salted shrimp, keeping kimjang costs lower than last year.
To support farmers facing difficulties due to falling agricultural prices during the kimjang season, the government is promoting a "Kimjang Sharing and Giving" campaign. This initiative aims to boost agricultural consumption and assist vulnerable groups in preparing for winter.
The Korea Kimchi Association is also facilitating bulk orders of kimchi for sharing through public institutions and private companies via its member companies. Detailed ordering information can be found on the association's website.
Lee Jae-wook, aT's supply and demand director, stated, "To assist farmers struggling with falling ingredient prices, aT will not only purchase and stockpile key items but also provide weekly updates on kimjang costs and conduct certification events to promote kimchi consumption, striving to create a kimjang boom."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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