Song Miryung: "Ten Days' Worth of Rice Equals One Cup of Coffee... Rice Prices Still Within Tolerable Range"

At the Regular Meeting on the 27th

"Rice Price Increases Remain Lower Compared to Other Goods"

Balance Between Rice Producers and Consumers Needed

Song Miryung, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated on the 27th that the recent increase in rice prices is still "within a tolerable range."

At a regular meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong on this day, Minister Song said, "From 2005 to 2025, over the past 20 years, rice prices have not risen excessively compared to other price increases," as she made these remarks.

Song Miryung, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, is speaking at a meeting held on the 27th at the Government Complex Sejong. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the consumer price of rice (based on 20kg) has remained around 62,000 to 63,000 won since last November. This is higher than a year ago. As of the 22nd, the price was 62,455 won, which is 13.5% higher than the previous year and 17.5% higher than the average year.

Minister Song explained rice prices by comparing them with coffee prices. She noted, "The price of a single bowl of rice is 287 won, and if converted to the amount of rice consumed per day, it only comes to 500 won per day. Considering that a cup of coffee costs 4,600 won, the price of one Americano is equivalent to ten days' worth of rice." She added, "According to a survey by the Korea Rural Economic Institute, more than six out of ten people perceive rice as relatively inexpensive, and for reference, only about 10.7% of respondents answered that rice is expensive."

Minister Song emphasized that rice prices should be considered from the perspectives of both food service businesses and consumers, as well as producers. She explained, "Some people think that it would be good if rice could be eaten cheaply and without worry, and I understand that for food service businesses that consume a lot of rice, rising rice prices are a significant burden. However, on the other hand, while the average wage of salaried workers has risen by 101.4% over the past 20 years, the farm-gate price of rice has only increased by 34.8%, and as a result, farm household income growth (65%) has also been limited. This should also be taken into account."

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, over the past 20 years (2005–2025), while the overall consumer price index rose by 56.7%, the consumer price index for rice rose by 45.7%. This means that the rate of increase in rice prices was lower than that of overall consumer prices.

Minister Song stated, "From the Ministry's perspective, managing rice prices is like walking a tightrope, and it is extremely important to balance the interests of consumers and producers. The government will do its utmost to manage supply and demand so that a stable and reasonable rice price is maintained for both farmers and consumers."

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