The government has increased the supply of 13 essential goods to stabilize prices for Chuseok, while also implementing large-scale discount support. However, price trends for individual items have shown mixed results. Major fruits like apples and pears, as well as cabbage, have seen price decreases compared to last year, while prices for beef and pork have significantly risen.
While the government's supply expansion and discount policies have contributed to lowering overall price burdens, the impact has varied depending on the supply conditions of individual items.
According to the Korea Institute of Animal Products Quality Evaluation, as of the previous day, the consumer price for grade 1 beef sirloin was 11,530 won per 100 grams, an increase of 15.7% (1,561 won) compared to the average price in the same month last year. Compared to the average price for the same month in previous years, it is 18.9% (1,829 won) higher.
The price of pork belly also rose by 8.9% (249 won) compared to the average price in the same month last year, and by 12.7% (345 won) compared to the average price in previous years. XL grade eggs are priced at 6,885 won for 30, an increase of 3% (198 won) from last year. In contrast, chicken is priced at 5,389 won per kilogram, which is 8.8% (523 won) lower than last year and 8.7% (515 won) lower than the average price in previous years.
In the agricultural sector, as of the 23rd, the price for 10 apples (Hongro variety) was 22,600 won, down 13.05% from last year, while pears (Wonhwang variety) were priced at 29,322 won, a decrease of 3.34%. Cabbage is priced at 5,952 won per head, down 2.28%, but radishes are priced at 2,144 won each, up 8.45%, and onions are priced at 1,929 won per kilogram, up 4.72%.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has decided to supply 163,000 tons of 13 essential goods, including apples, pears, cabbage, radishes, onions, garlic, zucchini, beef, pork, chicken, eggs, chestnuts, and jujubes, which is 1.6 times more than usual. As of the 14th, the actual supply amount has increased to 109.1% of the planned amount.
Discount support to reduce consumer burdens has also been expanded to the largest level ever. The initial budget for agricultural and livestock product discounts was increased from 59 billion won to 149 billion won, and the support period was extended from September 23 to 30. Over 4,000 retailers are offering discounts of up to 40% on essential goods and items with rising prices.
Beef has seen concentrated discounts from September 12 to 24 using self-help funds, while the government has invested about 400 million won to lower the delivery price of broiler chickens by more than 1,000 won per bird.
However, while prices for apples, pears, and cabbage have decreased compared to last year, beef, pork, and eggs remain at high price levels, highlighting a clear disparity among items.
Notably, despite the government's efforts to expand supply and implement discount events, prices for beef and pork continue to rise. This is attributed to a decrease in livestock numbers and the impact of livestock diseases, which have kept livestock prices high and made it difficult to change supply conditions in the short term.
The government plans to continue discount support until September 30, even after the Chuseok holiday, aiming to alleviate consumer burdens on items that continue to see price increases during the remaining period.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has been offering discounts of up to 40% on all domestic agricultural and livestock products at large and small supermarkets and online malls since September 3. The National Agricultural Cooperative Federation is also conducting a half-price meal event with its own budget of 29.1 billion won.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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