Party and Government to Supply Record 172,000 Tons of Chuseok Seasonal Products... Intensive Inspections of Unpaid Wages

Supply of Apples and Pears Tripled, Jujubes Increased Eighteenfold
Overdue Wage Loan Interest Rate Temporarily Lowered to 1%
Expressway Tolls Waived for Four Days

The Democratic Party of Korea and the government announced on the 15th that they will supply seasonal products such as apples, pears, and jujubes to stabilize prices ahead of Chuseok. In addition, they will strengthen financial support related to overdue wages and conduct intensive inspections of workplaces with unpaid wages.

Han Jeong-ae, Policy Committee Chairperson of the Democratic Party, stated at the "Chuseok Livelihood Stabilization Measures Party-Government Consultation" held at the National Assembly on this day, "To stabilize the prices of seasonal products, we will increase the supply of apples and pears to three times the usual amount, chestnuts to four times, and jujubes to eighteen times. In total, we will supply 172,000 tons of key seasonal products, the highest level ever."

Kim Byunggi, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the "Chuseok Livelihood Stabilization Measures Party-Government Council" held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 15th. 2025.9.15 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Regarding the recent rise in rice prices, 25,000 tons of rice will be supplied, and for vulnerable groups, an additional 20% discount will be provided, making the price 8,000 won per 10kg. Han also said, "We will closely monitor price trends and take additional measures if necessary." In addition, the authorities will crack down on unfair pricing practices.

To ease the financial burden on small business owners, a record 43.2 trillion won in holiday funds will be provided. In particular, measures will be taken regarding overdue wages. The interest rate on loans for clearing overdue wages will be temporarily reduced, and workplaces with unpaid wages will be intensively inspected. Furthermore, Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon announced, "For six weeks before the holiday, we will operate a special period focused on clearing overdue wages, and to help workers struggling due to unpaid wages, we will lower the interest rate on living expense loans to 1%."

To boost local consumption, 150,000 accommodation coupons for special disaster areas will be issued, and a fall campaign offering up to 50% discounts on travel products will begin tomorrow. In addition, expressway tolls will be waived from the 4th to the 7th, and to support reverse homecoming, KTX and SRT train tickets will be discounted by 30% to 40%.