Kimchi-Making Cost for a Family of Four Around 300,000 Won... The Later You Delay Kimchi-Making, the Cheaper It Gets

Government Announces Stable Supply and Discount Coupon Provision Policy
Kimjang Vegetable Supply Stabilization Measures to be Announced on the 27th

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Considering the supply and demand situation during the kimchi-making season, the government has estimated the kimchi-making cost for a four-person household to be around 300,000 KRW next month. Prices of kimchi vegetables such as napa cabbage and radish, which had soared due to the rainy season and typhoons, are expected to stabilize recently thanks to favorable weather conditions, making it cheaper to make kimchi later. The government plans to directly control supply quantities and alleviate the burden by providing discount coupons.

On the 27th, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that it will implement the "Kimchi Vegetable Supply Stabilization Measures," focusing on stabilizing the supply of kimchi vegetables, reducing the cost burden of kimchi-making, spreading kimchi-making culture, and promoting consumption ahead of the peak kimchi-making season. This measure was prepared after gathering opinions from producers, consumer groups, academia, and experts through a supply and demand inspection meeting and a supply adjustment committee held the previous day.

Kwon Jaehan, Director of Distribution and Consumption Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, explained, "The kimchi-making cost for a four-person household this year (as of November) is expected to be around 300,000 KRW, similar to last year, and it will become cheaper from October to December. This is because the prices of napa cabbage and radish for kimchi are expected to stabilize during the peak production period of November to December."

Regarding the supply conditions of major kimchi vegetables, autumn napa cabbage production was initially poor (4% decrease in yield compared to the average year), but due to an increase in cultivation area (5% increase compared to the average year), production is expected to be similar to the average at about 1.31 million tons. Autumn radish production is expected to be around 440,000 tons, with cultivation area and yield at average levels.

Production of seasoning vegetables shows that chili peppers are expected to decrease by 22% compared to the average year, while garlic is expected to increase by 7%. Due to the long rainy season and typhoons this year, chili pepper production has decreased, and wholesale prices are expected to maintain the current market price (16,000 KRW per 600g). Garlic is showing an appropriate supply level, and price stability is expected to continue at 6,900 KRW per kg (based on peeled garlic).

The government plans to prevent excessive supply and demand instability and stabilize the supply of kimchi vegetables by expanding supply according to the supply and demand situation of each item. For napa cabbage, the government will release the pre-secured vegetable price stabilization system contracted volume (75,000 tons) and stockpiled volume in shipment control facilities (2,500 tons) in case of supply instability. The 25,000 tons of contract cultivation volume by NongHyup will be released during the peak kimchi-making period (late November to early December), expanding supply by up to 20% compared to normal times.

For radish, to prepare for shipment shortages, the vegetable price stabilization system volume (48,000 tons) will be secured and released, and early shipment of Jeju winter radish available for shipment in December will be actively encouraged.

Support through discount coupons and discount sales events will also be linked. Agricultural and livestock product discount coupons will be provided, allowing consumers to purchase kimchi vegetables and pork at a 20% discount (2,000 KRW discount on a 10,000 KRW purchase, with a maximum discount of 10,000 KRW). About 800 NongHyup sales outlets nationwide and large retail stores will sell kimchi vegetables such as napa cabbage, radish, garlic, and chili peppers at about 20% lower than market prices (10-20% discount compared to last year).

Additionally, special sales events will be held on online shopping malls and home shopping channels, actively promoting the spread of kimchi-making culture and the consumption of domestic agricultural products under the slogan "Making Kimchi, Sharing Kimchi." To ensure consumers can purchase kimchi vegetables with confidence, 273 special judicial police officers and 3,000 honorary monitors will be mobilized to conduct planned crackdowns on origin labeling, and special safety inspections will be conducted until early December.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.