[Report] "Special Discounts and US Eggs Too" Visiting Marts and Markets Ahead of Chuseok (Comprehensive)

On the afternoon of the 11th, a consumer is looking at fruits at a large supermarket in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

On the last weekend before the Chuseok holiday, major retail outlets in Seoul were making an all-out effort to "lower prices" through special sales events. Although the peak prices of major agricultural, livestock, and seafood products had decreased compared to the previous high due to the government's expanded supply of essential goods, citizens visiting large supermarkets and markets hesitated to purchase due to the still higher perceived prices compared to previous years.

◆American Eggs 2,400 Won Cheaper per Carton

Last weekend (October 10-12), major large supermarkets in Seoul offered essential goods at prices lower than market prices through special promotions and card-linked events. The most noticeable item was eggs. At a large supermarket in Mapo-gu, American eggs (fresh American eggs, 30-count for 3,980 won), priced at about two-thirds of domestic eggs, were stocked. Although the supermarket had handled imported eggs since early July, the quantity was limited, so they were not easily seen on shelves. However, ahead of Chuseok, the supply of domestic eggs was recently expanded, and due to the government's livelihood stabilization measures, the quantity was plentiful for the first time in a while.

Consumers showed interest by carefully examining the products in front of the shelves, as the product significantly lowered the average price of eggs, which had been soaring and called "golden eggs." To alleviate consumer concerns about imported eggs, the supermarket posted notices saying "Feel safe purchasing imported eggs," emphasizing thorough washing and inspection in the exporting country, as well as quarantine and hygiene inspections upon import.

Domestic fresh first-grade large eggs were priced at 6,400 won per carton (30-count), but with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' consumption promotion discount coupon applied, they were sold at 5,760 won per carton, limited to one carton per person. This price is more than 10% cheaper than the average retail price of eggs (special grade, 30-count) of 6,524 won compiled by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT). A housewife in her 40s, Ms. Lee, said, "When I visit in the evening, the 30-count special eggs are always sold out, but for the first time in a while, there was stock left, and good-priced imported eggs were also available, so I could compare and choose by type."

On the afternoon of the 10th, eggs were displayed at a large supermarket in Mapo-gu, Seoul. The supermarket applied the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' consumption promotion discount coupon, selling grade 1 large eggs at 6,400 won per carton (30 eggs), with a limit of one carton per person at 5,760 won. They also stocked relatively cheaper American eggs (Fresh American eggs, 30 eggs, 3,980 won).

◆Government and Retailers Make All-Out Effort to Stabilize Prices

At the end of last month, as part of the Chuseok livelihood stabilization measures, the government expanded the supply of 16 essential goods, leading to price drops in major items. According to aT, as of the 10th, the price of radish (1 piece) was 2,045 won, down 8.3% from the 30th of the previous month. The price of apples (Hongro variety, 10 pieces) was 24,762 won, down 4.5%; pork belly (100g) was 2,360 won, down 13.2%; chicken (slaughtered, 1kg) was 5,096 won, down 6.1%. The price of eggs (special grade, 30-count) was 6,524 won, down 3.3%, and frozen yellow croaker (1 fish) was 1,990 won, down 25.7%. The price of rice (20kg), designated as a separately managed item outside the 16 essential goods, also fell by 3.5%. Some major essential goods were planned as special-priced products at supermarkets, offered at prices even lower than these. At a large supermarket in Yeongdeungpo-gu, apples (11 pieces) could be purchased for 9,920 won when using a point card. At Yeongdeungpo traditional market, apple prices were also below the average retail price, at about 5,000 won for 4 pieces.

However, the overall perceived prices remain high, and citizens shopping hesitated to pick up products easily. Mrs. Baek, a housewife met at the large supermarket B, said, "I went to both the supermarket and the market, but nothing is cheap, whether fruit or meat," adding, "Since many people cannot gather, I plan to cook only small amounts."

◆Traditional Markets Hope for Increased Customers from Mutual Aid Fund

On the weekend, traditional markets were somewhat quiet overall, though some famous restaurants attracted crowds. Mainly middle-aged and older consumers were seen comparing prices between markets and supermarkets while shopping early for Chuseok. An employee preparing assorted jeon (Korean pancakes) at a shop in Gwangjang Market, Jongno-gu, said, "We will start preparing the main Chuseok stock in earnest next week," adding, "Although families will not gather this Chuseok, steady customers are expected, so we plan to stock a lot."

Merchants expressed hope for the effect of the COVID-19 mutual aid national support fund, with online applications last week and offline applications starting from the 13th, but they agreed that the atmosphere would not change significantly. Mr. Kim, who has operated a fruit store at Yeongdeungpo traditional market for 12 years, said, "I've been running at a loss every month since last year. The atmosphere recently, even during the Chuseok peak, is not much different," adding, "I hope customers come with the mutual aid fund, but I don't have high expectations."

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