This Year’s Kimchi-Making Costs Rose Compared to Last Year at Both Traditional Markets and Large Supermarkets

Nationwide Survey of Traditional Markets and Large Supermarkets in 6 Major Cities
For a Family of Four, Traditional Markets Up 9.3%, Large Supermarkets Up 6.4% Compared to Last Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Sunghye] Both traditional markets and large supermarkets have recorded an increase in kimchi-making costs this year compared to last year. This is due to a significant decrease in the production of kimchi seasoning ingredients caused by prolonged monsoon rains and typhoons.

According to the Korea Price Association on the 15th, a simultaneous price survey was conducted on 15 kimchi-making ingredients (such as napa cabbage, radish, altari radish, red pepper powder) over two days, November 12-13, at 8 traditional markets and 9 large supermarkets in six major cities nationwide including Seoul, Incheon, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon. The results showed that prices rose by 9.3% in traditional markets and 6.4% in large supermarkets compared to last year.

This year's kimchi-making costs increased by about 6-9% compared to last year, despite the prices of napa cabbage and radish, which had soared, stabilizing to average levels. This rise is attributed to a sharp decline in the production of kimchi seasoning ingredients such as red pepper powder, green onions, garlic, and fresh oysters due to the prolonged monsoon and typhoon impacts.

Additionally, purchasing kimchi-making ingredients at traditional markets was found to be about 17% cheaper than at large supermarkets. Meanwhile, when making kimchi using salted napa cabbage, the cost was about 39% higher than making it by purchasing fresh napa cabbage directly.

Comparing the kimchi-making costs for a family of four this year to last year, the nationwide average price at traditional markets was 328,640 KRW, up 9.3% from last year's 300,750 KRW. The nationwide average price at large supermarkets also rose 6.4% from last year's 373,010 KRW to 396,720 KRW.

Napa cabbage prices, which were high last year due to a sharp drop in autumn cabbage production caused by typhoon damage, fell by about 20-43% this year compared to the previous year as the initially poor crop conditions improved with increased cultivation area and shipments. The nationwide average price for 16 heads of napa cabbage in traditional markets dropped 20.3% (12,260 KRW) from 60,300 KRW last year to 48,040 KRW this year. In large supermarkets, the price fell 43.7% (29,410 KRW) from 67,240 KRW last year to 37,830 KRW this year.

Radish (11 pieces) also recovered to average levels with the full-scale autumn radish shipment, trading at 19,660 KRW in traditional markets, down 22.8% from last year's nationwide average, and 21,350 KRW in large supermarkets, down 21.2%. It is expected that prices will continue to stabilize downward due to government supply stabilization measures and discount events.

Red pepper powder (3kg), which accounts for the largest share of kimchi-making costs, was traded at average levels last year but showed a sharp increase this year due to poor crop conditions caused by prolonged monsoon rains and insufficient sunlight during the growing season. The nationwide average price in traditional markets rose 45.4% from 81,100 KRW last year to 117,880 KRW, and in large supermarkets, it increased 36.7% from 97,740 KRW last year to 133,630 KRW.

Green onions also showed an upward trend due to decreased production caused by large temperature differences and pest outbreaks. Based on 2kg, the nationwide average price in traditional markets rose 68.4% from last year to 7,560 KRW, and in large supermarkets, it increased 62% to 10,450 KRW.

In addition, scallions, peeled garlic, and fresh oysters also showed rising prices due to decreased supply.

Traditional Markets Are 17.2% Cheaper Than Large Supermarkets

Comparing the nationwide average kimchi-making costs for 15 items for a family of four by distribution channel this year, traditional markets cost 328,640 KRW, while large supermarkets cost 396,720 KRW, making traditional markets about 17.2% (68,080 KRW) cheaper than large supermarkets.

Except for napa cabbage, all 14 items including radish, green onions, red pepper powder, and salted shrimp were found to be 7-58% cheaper when purchased at traditional markets than at large supermarkets.

Salted Napa Cabbage Using Solar Salt Costs 39% More Than Direct Salting

The price of salted napa cabbage, which has become a new trend in kimchi-making, was found to be about 39% more expensive than the cost of purchasing fresh napa cabbage and salting it directly.

The combined average price of napa cabbage (16 heads) and solar salt (7kg) at 9 large supermarkets in six major cities nationwide was 55,870 KRW, whereas the average price of salted napa cabbage (16-18 heads, 40kg) was 77,380 KRW, which is 21,510 KRW (39%) more expensive. However, as consumer trends favor convenience, demand is expected to remain steady.

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