LA Galbi 6,000 Won More Expensive per 1kg than Udae Galbi
Easier to Prepare and More Commonly Consumed at Home than Udae Galbi
There is a type of meat that becomes cheaper when cut horizontally and more expensive when cut vertically, even though it comes from the same part. These are 우대갈비 (Udaegalbi) and LA갈비 (LA Galbi). The difference arises because they are categorized for home use and camping use depending on the cutting method. Generally, LA Galbi, which is easier to prepare and can be cooked easily at home, is priced higher than Udaegalbi.
According to the official Emart Mall website on the 17th, the current selling price of Udaegalbi and LA Galbi from the same brand shows a difference of about 6,000 KRW per 1kg. The US-produced LA Galbi choice grade (1kg) was priced at 43,000 KRW, which is more expensive than the US-produced Udaegalbi choice grade (37,000 KRW) of the same weight. At Homeplus as well, LA Galbi was sold for about 2,000 KRW more per 1kg than Udaegalbi.
The price of US-produced LA Galbi choice grade (1kg) sold on the official Homeplus website was 53,600 KRW, which was higher than the US-produced Udaegalbi choice grade (51,600 KRW) of the same weight. The choice grade is one of the eight grades assigned by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) based on the marbling content of beef, ranking second highest after the prime grade.
Both Udaegalbi and LA Galbi are made by cutting the premium flower ribs located in the central part of the beef rib bones, specifically ribs 6, 7, and 8. If the rib bone shape is preserved and cut lengthwise, it is called Udaegalbi; if cut vertically, perpendicular to the rib bone, it becomes LA Galbi. In other words, depending on the direction of the cut, the same part can be either Udaegalbi or LA Galbi.
The market logic behind the price difference despite using the same part lies in the cutting style. Unlike LA Galbi, Udaegalbi is cut preserving the rib bone shape, resulting in larger and harder bones. Therefore, it is generally sold as a delicacy for 'camping enthusiasts' rather than for home use. On the other hand, LA Galbi is easier to prepare and can be cooked simply in a frying pan at home, making it more popular. Because the demand for LA Galbi is much higher, its overall price tends to be higher, according to industry insiders.
An Emart representative explained, "If Udaegalbi is a product for 'enthusiasts,' LA Galbi is closer to a 'mass-market' product," adding, "In fact, LA Galbi sells about ten times more than Udaegalbi within the store."
Additionally, the prices of Udaegalbi and LA Galbi are determined by a combination of factors including origin, season, brand, and type of packaging. Although LA Galbi generally has a higher price due to its larger demand, the price gap between the two narrows during camping and outing seasons when the demand for Udaegalbi increases.
An industry insider stated, "The factors determining the price difference between Udaegalbi and LA Galbi vary greatly depending on the part and processing method," and added, "While LA Galbi prices have slightly increased this month due to many family gatherings, as outdoor activities like camping become more frequent, the demand for Udaegalbi is also expected to rise significantly."
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