This Year’s Kimjang Cost at Traditional Markets 310,000 Won... "50,000 Won Cheaper Than Large Mart"

Comparison of Kimchi-Making Cost Items by Price.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] An analysis has revealed that preparing kimchi for a family of four using traditional markets this year will cost approximately 310,000 won.

On the 10th, the price research agency Korea Price Information announced that, based on data from the 9th, the cost of kimchi-making for a family of four is estimated to be 310,000 won when using traditional markets, down 4.9% from last year, and about 357,000 won at large supermarkets, down 4.1%.

Korea Price Information explained that compared to last year, prices of key ingredients such as napa cabbage and some secondary ingredients have risen, but the overall cost is lower than last year due to a significant drop in the price of red pepper powder, which was the main cause of the increase in kimchi-making costs last year.

Among the main vegetable ingredients, the price of napa cabbage rose sharply due to damage from soft rot disease and a sudden cold snap in late autumn. As of the previous day, the price of one head of napa cabbage at traditional markets was 5,500 won, about 38% higher than last year. Among seasonings, prices of garlic and salt increased, but the price of red pepper powder fell. The price of red pepper powder, based on 3 kg, ranged from 80,000 to 100,800 won, a decrease of about 25 to 33% compared to last year. Ginger prices also dropped due to increased supply, and prices of salted shrimp and anchovy fish sauce have decreased or remained stable compared to previous years due to reduced demand caused by cancellations of various festivals and events amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lee Dong-hoon, a researcher at Korea Price Information, said, "Using napa cabbage shipped from the southern coastal areas, where damage from cold injury or soft rot disease is relatively low between late November and early December, will be a wise kimchi-making method this winter."

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