Apple Prices Surge 70%... Consumers Flock to Cheongnyangni Traditional Market for Affordable Deals

Despite Fruit Price Surge, Relatively Affordable Prices Attract Consumers
Dongdaemun-gu Mayor Ilhyung Lee: "We Will Do Our Best to Develop into a Traditional Market Loved by All Age Groups"

These days, as fruit prices continue to soar with apples rising more than 70% compared to the same month last year, there is a place that brings satisfaction to consumers with relatively affordable prices.

That place is the Dongdaemun-gu traditional markets, including Cheongnyangni Fruit and Vegetable Market.

On the 7th, Lee Pil-hyung, the mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, visited Cheongnyangni Fruit and Vegetable Market to check the soaring fruit prices and encourage the market merchants. While fruit prices such as apples, strawberries, and pears have risen by about 60-80% nationwide, fruits at Cheongnyangni Fruit and Vegetable Market are being sold at prices lower than the national average.

With the cultivation area itself shrinking due to aging farmers and labor shortages, fruit prices are surging as production decreases due to abnormal weather. In particular, apples and pears face import restrictions due to complicated quarantine processes to prevent the influx of pests and diseases, making it difficult to curb price increases.

Several agricultural product stores in the local traditional markets sell fruits to consumers at lower prices than general retail stores through simplified distribution procedures.

Recently, Dongdaemun-gu traditional markets, including a sundae (Korean blood sausage) restaurant near the traditional market that became a hot topic after being introduced by a YouTuber for its affordable prices and generous portions, are loved not only for fruits but also for various ‘value-for-money’ items.

Lee Pil-hyung, mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, said, “Merchants are working together to stabilize prices and maintain quality to provide consumers with fresh and high-quality fruits and various products at affordable prices, so we hope many people will visit the traditional markets.” He added, “We will transform the area around Cheongnyangni Station with the goal of becoming a ‘Global TOP5 Tourist Traditional Market’ so that the traditional markets can become more vibrant with the interest of all age groups.”