Cabbage Price Soars to 9,000 Won Amid Heatwave... Up 70% Compared to Last Year

Rising Prices of Vegetables Such as Radish, Spinach, and Lettuce

Due to the continued heatwave, the price of a head of cabbage has exceeded 9,000 won. Prices of other vegetables such as spinach and lettuce are also generally strong.

According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) on the 19th, the price of cabbage rose to 9,337 won per head. This is 69.5% more expensive compared to a year ago and 32.7% higher than the average price. The average price refers to the three-year average excluding the highest and lowest prices from 2019 to last year.

The significant increase in cabbage prices on this day is attributed to the end of discount support provided by the government and distributors during the Chuseok peak season.

The retail price of cabbage rose to the 7,000 won range on the 6th, when demand increased due to the Chuseok peak season discount support, and then jumped to the 8,000 won range on the 13th. The continued high temperatures in September, combined with drought in some cultivation areas, appear to have caused the sharp price increase.

The prices of agricultural products such as napa cabbage and radish, the main ingredients of kimchi, are soaring due to the ongoing heatwave. [Image source=Getty Images]

Besides cabbage, vegetable prices are generally strong due to the hot weather. The retail price of radish is 3,826 won per piece, up 65.4% and 38.8% compared to a year ago and the average price, respectively.

The retail price of spinach, a cold-sensitive crop, is 3,728 won per 100g, up 48.5% and 101.8% compared to a year ago and the average price, respectively. However, spinach prices peaked at 4,202 won on the 10th, before the Chuseok holiday, and have recently been declining.

The retail price of red leaf lettuce is 2,122 won per 100g, 22.6% and 25.4% higher than a year ago and the average price, respectively. The retail price of multi-stem cucumber is 13,540 won for 10 pieces, up 17.1% from a year ago and 19.1% higher than the average price.

The price of Cheongyang chili peppers is 1,829 won per 100g, up 18.8% and 31.2% compared to a year ago and the average price, respectively.