Distribution Industry Preparing Kimchi... Launches Discount Event on Kimchi Products

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] As the kimchi-making season begins in earnest, the distribution industry is launching discount events to capture the attention of 'Kimjangjok' and 'Gimpojok' (a shortened term for Kimjangpogijok). Ingredients needed for kimchi-making, from salted napa cabbage to packaged kimchi, are being sold at discounts of up to nearly 50%.

According to the distribution industry on the 21st, Emart is conducting a discount event on major kimchi-making products in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs until the 25th. The event products include main kimchi ingredients such as napa cabbage, radish, garlic, ginger, and pear, which are sold at up to 45% off through advance purchase and bulk storage.

Napa cabbage is sold at a 45% discounted price for a net of 3 heads when verified as a Shinsegae Point member. In addition, radish bundles, peeled garlic, and pork for boiled meat that pairs well with kimchi are offered at affordable prices. During the event period, the cost for purchasing basic kimchi-making ingredients for a family of four (21 heads of napa cabbage) at Emart is 160,446 KRW.

SSG.com is holding a 'Let's Make Kimchi' event until the 25th, gathering all kimchi-related products under the theme 'Everything about Kimchi' with discounts of up to 49%. This includes not only raw ingredients like salted napa cabbage and red pepper powder but also packaged kimchi, kimchi-making tools, and kimchi refrigerators, all offered at discounted prices.

During the event, 300 units per day of 'GAP Certified Salted Napa Cabbage 20kg' selected only from Haenam napa cabbage are sold at a 12% discount. Seasoning products such as red pepper powder, salted seafood, and coarse salt are offered at up to 30% off. Packaged kimchi for Gimpojok is planned to be offered at discounts of up to 28%. Products from Bibigo and Jongga are sold at 20-24% off. 'Peacock Chosun Hotel Namdo-style Kimchi' can be purchased at 23,460 KRW with an 8% discount.

Also, various home appliances such as kimchi refrigerators are prepared for the kimchi-making season. Representative brand products from Samsung, LG, and Winia are sold at discounts of up to 23%.

Lotte Homeshopping is also running a special kimchi-making event targeting both Kimjangjok and Gimpojok until the 30th of this month. 'Dimchae Kimchi Refrigerator' is sold at discounts up to 700,000 KRW, and customers who purchase it receive an additional mini kimchi refrigerator as a gift. The mobile 'Food Hall' is holding a 'Kimchi-making Grand Sale' until the 22nd, where preparation and storage can be done all at once. Through the salted napa cabbage reservation delivery service, customers can receive delivery on their desired date for kimchi-making.

With the increase in single-person households and the impact of COVID-19, the number of consumers seeking kimchi at convenience stores has greatly increased, prompting the convenience store industry to prepare for the kimchi-making season in earnest.

Seven Eleven is offering large-quantity kimchi reservations in collaboration with Kim Sumi for the full kimchi-making season. The products introduced this time are two unique kimchi varieties using Kim Sumi's recipe and seasoning. The 'Hwangtae Pogikimchi' enhances umami with dried pollack strips based on the Gangwon-do kimchi-making method, and the 'Apple Pogikimchi' adds a crunchy texture with apples. In addition, seven types of packaged kimchi under the Hanul brand, including 'Chonggak Kimchi,' 'Dongchimi,' and 'Geotjeori,' are sold.

Seven Eleven's kimchi can be reserved nationwide through Seven Eleven stores until the end of December, and the products are delivered free of charge to the designated address via courier.

Emart24 offers a total of 13 types of kimchi products until December 18th, including 9 types for Gimpojok and 4 types for Kimjangjok. The reservation-sale Peacock Chosun Hotel kimchi includes three types: 4kg Pogikimchi, 4kg Pogikimchi with 1.5kg Yeolmukimchi, and 4kg Pogikimchi with 1.5kg Chonggak Kimchi. Kimchi-making products for self-Kimjangjok include two types of Olban Kitchen salted napa cabbage (10kg and 20kg) and seasoning (5kg).

Until December 18th, customers can visit a nearby Emart24 store, fill out the order form at the bottom of the leaflet, and make payment to receive free courier delivery on their desired delivery date. Delivery of kimchi products takes 1-2 days from the order date.