As the holiday approaches, public perception of rising prices is increasing.
On the 16th, data consulting firm PMi conducted a survey of 3,000 men and women aged 20 to 69 nationwide to investigate preparations for Chuseok holiday food and perceived inflation. The results showed that 84.9% of respondents felt prices had risen compared to last year.
In particular, 35.8% responded that prices had "increased quite a lot," while 30.6% said they had "increased very much." Additionally, 18.5% answered that prices had "increased slightly."
The Korea Price Association announced that, based on 28 price checks of items at traditional markets in Seoul and six metropolitan cities on the 10th, the cost of a Chuseok ancestral rite table for a family of four was 280,790 won. This is 1.8% higher compared to last year’s Chuseok peak season survey results.
Vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and radish saw price increases of over 10% compared to the first survey, with zucchini rising 59% to 2,340 won per piece.
A trend toward simplifying the preparation of holiday food is also being observed. When asked how they plan to prepare Chuseok holiday food this year, the proportion of respondents who said they would purchase raw ingredients and cook themselves (36.8% of all respondents) was similar to those who said they would buy some prepared foods (34.6%).
13.5% of respondents said they would use meal kits that can be conveniently utilized to prepare holiday food. Those who said they would receive all food as ready-made products via delivery accounted for 6.9%.
PMi commented, “With the expansion of the meal kit and delivery markets, changes are also being detected in the holiday food market,” adding, “Since preparing all food directly requires a lot of time and effort, this shows a strong tendency among consumers who prioritize convenience in their busy daily lives not to give up convenience even during the holidays.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
