Chuseok Ritual Table Costs 13.7% Lower at Traditional Markets Than Supermarkets

It has been found that preparing a traditional ancestral ritual table at Seoul's traditional markets is 13.7% cheaper than at large supermarkets.

On September 28, the Seoul Agro-Fisheries & Food Corporation announced the results of a price survey conducted on September 22 ahead of Chuseok. The survey covered 25 locations, including traditional markets, large supermarkets, and Garak Mall, and examined the prices of 34 key holiday items. The survey was conducted jointly by the Seoul price monitoring team and the corporation’s price survey staff. The findings showed that the average cost of preparing a ritual table at traditional markets was 236,723 won, which is 37,598 won less than at large supermarkets (274,321 won). This represents a decrease of 1.7% and 5.0%, respectively, compared to last year.

A traditional market scene in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

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By item, traditional markets were more affordable for fruits and forest products such as apples, dried persimmons, and jujubes, as well as for wild greens and vegetables like bracken, bellflower root, spinach, and napa cabbage. On the other hand, large supermarkets offered lower prices for some fruits such as pears, as well as grains, processed foods including rice, pancake mix, imitation crab meat, dasik, cheongju (rice wine), and sikhye (sweet rice drink).

The cost of preparing a ritual table at Garak Mall within Garak Market was 215,940 won, up 3.3% from the previous year. However, this was still 8.8% cheaper than traditional markets and 21.3% cheaper than large supermarkets, making it the lowest among the surveyed locations.

Regarding the price outlook for the Chuseok holiday season, the corporation stated, "Fruit prices are expected to remain stable due to average production levels," but also noted, "Some vegetables, such as zucchini and spinach, may experience short-term price fluctuations, and livestock products are likely to continue their upward trend."

Additionally, to promote consumption of agricultural and livestock products and stabilize prices, the corporation has organized an event at Garak Mall from October 1 to 5. Customers who purchase domestic agricultural and livestock products above a certain amount will receive Onnuri gift certificates. Purchases of 34,000 won or more will receive a 10,000 won certificate, and purchases of 67,000 won or more will receive a 20,000 won certificate. The event may end early if the budget is exhausted.

Moon Youngpyo, CEO of Seoul Agro-Fisheries & Food Corporation, said, "We will make every effort to ensure a smooth supply of various agricultural, fisheries, and livestock products during the Chuseok holiday season."

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