[Dining Table Price Emergency] One Aehobak Costs 5,000 Won... Price Increased Up to Twice

Supply Difficulties from Large Supermarkets to Online Malls
Quality Control Issues Too

The price per zucchini increased by 1,000 won from 3,980 won on the 12th (left) to 4,980 won on the 13th (right). The photo shows the vegetable display at the Emart Wangsimni branch in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.

[Asia Economy reporters Minyoung Cha and Seungjin Lee] From large supermarkets to online malls, vegetable prices have surged significantly, ranging from an increase of 500 won to double the previous prices. The sharp price hike is due to the difficulty in mass supply from production areas, which has driven demand towards premium products. Quality control issues, which affect company trust, remain a challenge.

At 10 a.m. on the 13th at Lotte Mart Seoul Station branch, the prices of leafy vegetables with new price tags were raised by an average of about 16.9% compared to the previous day (12th). Perilla leaves (per bundle) rose from 2,180 won to 2,780 won, an increase of 600 won. Lettuce (150g) increased from 3,680 won to 4,380 won, and a head of napa cabbage went up from 4,780 won to 4,980 won. Additionally, zucchini (per piece) was adjusted from 2,480 won to 3,980 won, red chili peppers (per bundle) from 1,980 won to 2,480 won, and eggplants (3 per bundle) from 2,480 won to 4,280 won. Green onions (per bunch) also rose by about 500 won, from 2,980 won to 3,480 won.

It is not only Lotte Mart. The prices of major vegetables across large supermarkets nationwide have jumped significantly. At Emart, red chili peppers and green chili peppers increased by 1,000 won compared to the previous day, and perilla leaves and lettuce also rose by about 500 to 1,000 won. Zucchini prices increased from 3,980 won to 4,980 won per piece on that day, a 1,000 won hike. A supermarket official explained, "Zucchini prices approaching 5,000 won are unusually high, even during holiday periods." Eggplant prices also surged. The previous day, Emart sold eggplants in bundles of five for 3,980 won, but on this day, eggplants were sold in bundles of two for 3,480 won. The price per piece jumped from 796 won to 1,740 won, more than doubling.

The local linked product at Lotte Mart Seoul Station, 'Uridongnae Spinach', saw its price increase from 3,880 won on the 12th to 5,680 won on the 13th.

Large supermarkets such as Emart, Lotte Mart, and Homeplus have been releasing quantities contracted in advance with production areas to suppress price increases. They also control wholesale orders from production areas to minimize the impact on wholesale prices. However, from Thursday (the 13th), new price tags reflecting retail price fluctuations will be applied.

Quality control has become critical in online malls based on non-face-to-face (untact) shopping. Since consumers cannot see the products directly, satisfaction levels may vary. SSG.com, Shinsegae’s integrated online mall, stated, "Due to the ongoing rainy season and heavy rains, the quality of agricultural products is deteriorating. We are doing our best to maintain freshness and quality, but if customers are dissatisfied, we offer 100% exchange or refund." As of the 6th, at the food specialty mall Market Kurly, zucchini prices rose 70% compared to two weeks ago, green onions 38%, eggplants 24%, and cucumbers 25%. Onion prices also increased by 10%. A Market Kurly official explained, "If zucchini and eggplants are too watery, it becomes difficult to ship the products, making it hard to source items that meet our curation standards. Unlike fruits, which are preferred foods, vegetables are often essential for cooking, so demand is high while supply is insufficient."