This Year's Seol Charyesang Cost Around 310,000 Won... Similar to Last Year

Traditional Markets 280,000 Won · Large Supermarkets 340,000 Won

The average cost of preparing the Lunar New Year ancestral rites table this year is 310,963 won, which is expected to be similar to last year's cost of 313,004 won.

The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) announced on the 23rd the results of a price survey conducted on 28 essential items at 16 traditional markets and 34 large retail stores (large marts) nationwide. The survey results reflect prices after government discount support and large retailers' own discount sales.

An aT official explained, "During this Lunar New Year peak season, the prices at large retail stores generally decreased compared to last year due to the expanded effect of government discount support for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products in collaboration with large retailers."

Children are receiving etiquette education in front of the Seol ancestral rites table at the Nonghyup Hanaro Mart Yangjae branch in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

By business type, shopping at traditional markets costs 278,835 won, while purchasing from large retail stores costs 343,090 won. This means that preparing at traditional markets is 18.7% cheaper.

By item, fruit prices showed strength due to reduced production caused by weather disasters. Based on traditional market prices, apples and pears were 42.4% and 13.0% more expensive, respectively, compared to last year's Lunar New Year peak season.

Beef prices fell compared to last year's Lunar New Year peak season. The prices of beef brisket and round (based on traditional market prices) dropped by 9.4% and 6.3%, respectively, compared to last year's Lunar New Year peak season.