Donghae City Launches Full-Scale "Chuseok Price Stabilization Special Measures"

Special Price Stabilization Measures for Chuseok in Effect Until October 9
Comprehensive Price Control Situation Room to Monitor 22 Key Holiday Items
Enhanced Donghae Pay Incentive to 20% Eases Perceived Price Burden

On September 26, Donghae City in Gangwon Province announced that it will actively implement a "Chuseok Price Stabilization Special Measures" plan to ease the financial burden on citizens facing rising prices ahead of Chuseok, the nation's major holiday, and to revitalize the local economy.

A panoramic view of Donghae City Hall. Provided by Donghae City

This special initiative will run through October 9, focusing on stabilizing prices of essential holiday goods and promoting a healthy consumer culture.

According to a recent report by a professional price survey agency, the cost of preparing a Chuseok ancestral ritual table has slightly decreased compared to last year. However, prices for certain livestock and seafood products continue to rise, leaving citizens' shopping expenses largely unchanged.

In response, the city plans to operate a comprehensive price control situation room to monitor the supply and price trends of 22 key holiday items-including agricultural, livestock, forestry, and fishery products-in real time and to respond swiftly as needed.

Additionally, to prevent unfair practices such as price collusion or unjustified price hikes that may occur ahead of Chuseok, the city will form a joint inspection team comprising city officials, relevant agencies, and consumer groups. This team will thoroughly check price tags and country-of-origin labels to establish a fair market order.

Notably, the most prominent feature of this plan is the special increase in incentives for "Donghae Pay." Until the end of October, the incentive rate will be temporarily raised from 10% to 20%, allowing citizens to effectively reduce their shopping expenses.

This measure is expected to not only ease the financial burden on households but also significantly boost sales for small businesses and traditional markets by encouraging local spending.

Furthermore, the city will launch a citywide participation campaign to promote price stability and stimulate consumption, and will actively encourage the use of traditional markets and certified low-price stores.

Lim Seongbin, head of the Economic Affairs Division, stated, "Although the pace of price increases has somewhat slowed, we are acutely aware that the economic situation for ordinary citizens remains difficult. We will do our utmost to ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe and warm holiday."

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