aT Survey on This Year's Chuseok Ancestral Table Costs
Down 1.8% from Last Year
Traditional Markets: 192,851 won, Large Retail Stores: 207,238 won
This year, the average cost of preparing a Chuseok ancestral ritual table was found to be 199,693 won, a decrease of 1.8% compared to one week before Chuseok last year. Traditional markets were more than 14,000 won cheaper than large retail stores.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) on September 30, the average cost of preparing a Chuseok ancestral ritual table this year was 199,693 won, based on a survey conducted as of that date. This represents a 1.8% decrease compared to the same period last year.
aT conducted the survey at 16 traditional markets and 34 large retail stores across 23 regions nationwide, examining 24 items in 8 categories needed for a four-person family's ancestral ritual table.
By type of retailer, the cost at traditional markets was 192,851 won, while at large retail stores it was 207,238 won, marking a decrease of 0.6% and 0.3%, respectively, from last year. Notably, prices for 15 out of the 24 surveyed items-including rice, spinach, and Korean beef brisket-were lower at traditional markets. Overall, traditional markets were 14,387 won (7%) cheaper than large retail stores.
By item, prices for agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits, which saw increased supply ahead of Chuseok, as well as forest products like jujubes and dried persimmons, fell by 19.2% and 7.5%, respectively, compared to the previous year, showing a stable trend. Prices for livestock products, such as Korean beef, which had been strong, were also found to be declining as Chuseok approached.
Agricultural, livestock, and forest products can be purchased at discounts of up to 40% through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' discount support program until October 5, while seafood can be purchased at discounts of up to 50% through the Korea Seafood Festival until October 12.
Additionally, until October 5, traditional markets will hold an event where consumers who purchase domestically produced agricultural, livestock, and seafood products can receive up to 30% of their purchase amount back in Onnuri gift certificates (up to 20,000 won per person). Detailed information on discounted items, participating traditional markets by region, and more can be found on the official discount support website.
Moon Incheol, Director of Supply at aT, stated, "As Chuseok approaches, the supply of seasonal products is increasing, and grocery prices are on the decline. aT is providing information on Chuseok product discounts and other useful tips, so we encourage consumers to make wise use of these resources for smarter shopping."
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