"Scared to Wrap and Eat"... 'Kim Sangchu·Kim Kkaennip' Prices Nearly Double Compared to Average Years

Amid soaring vegetable prices due to the heatwave continuing for two weeks, a citizen is selecting vegetables at a large supermarket in Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prices are soaring across the board, with vegetable prices in particular skyrocketing. Due to the early heatwave, prices of representative vegetables on the dining table such as lettuce and perilla leaves have doubled compared to the average year.

According to the Agricultural Products Distribution Information from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) on the 23rd, the wholesale price of lettuce as of the previous day was 46,100 KRW per 4kg. Especially, a week ago on the 15th, the wholesale price per 4kg recorded 61,460 KRW, showing price volatility even within a single day due to unstable supply. This is about twice the average price (the 3-year average excluding the highest and lowest values in the last 5 years) of 30,978 KRW.

The price of perilla leaves also reached 30,620 KRW per 2kg, which is about 1.7 times higher than the average price (17,902 KRW).

The reason for the sharp rise in vegetable prices is poor crop conditions caused by temperatures exceeding the optimal growing temperature due to the high-temperature phenomenon continuing since last month.

Regarding this, Jung Hwang-geun, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said in a recent meeting with reporters at the Government Sejong Complex, "Lettuce, napa cabbage, and perilla leaves are originally cool-season crops that grow around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, but this year, the temperature has unusually stayed above 30 degrees, causing limitations in supply." He added, "Fortunately, temperatures have dropped below 30 degrees starting this week, and since it takes 2 to 3 weeks to harvest, supply recovery will be quick."

Furthermore, on the overall price trend outlook, Minister Jung said, "Agricultural product prices will decline after Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) in September," adding, "Since it takes about 3 to 4 weeks after Chuseok for the consumption of seasonal products, it will positively affect price management."

Meanwhile, the government plans to announce a comprehensive plan focusing on 13 major seasonal products as early as the beginning of next month to manage prices during the Chuseok holiday.

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