aT "Kimchi-making cost for a family of four 331,000 KRW... 8.5% increase from last year"

Cabbage Prices Surge 53.6% in One Year

Kimchi-making Costs Down 1.1% Compared to Last Week

"Autumn Cabbage Shipment and Stock Release"

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) announced on the 3rd that the cost of kimchi-making for a family of four at the beginning of this month was 331,356 won, an 8.5% increase from a year ago (305,365 won). The price of the main ingredient, napa cabbage, rose by 53.6%.

aT released the results of a price survey on 13 major kimchi-making ingredients on the same day. The survey was conducted at 17 traditional markets in 19 regions nationwide and 27 large retail stores.

According to aT, the cost of kimchi-making at the beginning of this month rose by 8.5% compared to last year. In particular, the price of napa cabbage, the main ingredient of kimchi, increased. As of the 2nd, the price for 20 heads was 90,840 won, up 53.6% from last year's 59,140 won. aT explained, "The price of napa cabbage rose due to a decrease in cultivation area and supply shortages caused by soft rot disease damage."

However, aT reported that the cost of kimchi-making has been stabilizing since the beginning of this month. With the full-scale shipment of autumn napa cabbage and the continued release of government stockpiles, major items such as napa cabbage, radish, and red pepper powder are showing a downward trend. In particular, napa cabbage is expected to remain stable as the autumn napa cabbage harvest in Haenam, Jeollanam-do, the main production area, is favorable.

Price information for kimchi-making ingredients by item is published daily on aT's agricultural product distribution information website or smartphone app. Weekly budget shopping 'Kimchi Special Edition' provides information on biweekly trading trends, next week's outlook, and discount events at medium and large retail stores.

The government is increasing the supply of major kimchi vegetables such as napa cabbage and peeled garlic to stabilize the supply and demand of kimchi vegetables and reduce consumer burden, and is supporting discount coupon events for agricultural and livestock products.

aT is holding a 'Proud of Our Home Kimchi Making Event' on its blog until the 10th to celebrate the kimchi-making season. Through sharing kimchi-making cooking tips and a kimchi-making photo certification event, it aims to promote kimchi culture and boost the consumption of domestic agro-fisheries products.