(Yangyang=Yonhap News) Reporter Ryu Ho-jun = The mushroom yield in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, which experienced poor harvests this autumn, has recently recovered, leading to a bustling mushroom festival.
According to the Central Association of Forest Cooperatives, the auction price for Yangyang's first-grade mushrooms reached a record high of 1,611,200 won per kilogram three days before Chuseok.
As production increased, prices gradually declined.
Yangyang mushrooms, popular as gifts for Chuseok, usually record high prices ahead of the holiday.
This year, however, due to heatwaves and drought, the harvest was poor, causing the first auction to start 2 to 3 weeks later than usual, and initial prices to rise accordingly.
However, with temperatures dropping and adequate rainfall this month, extensive harvesting has been taking place in various mountainous areas.
As a result, the price of first-grade mushrooms has fallen to around 500,000 won per kilogram, about one-third of the peak price.
Local merchants expect mushroom prices to remain at the current level for the time being.
With the full-scale shipment of Yangyang mushrooms, the mushroom festival, held separately from the salmon festival for the first time in three years since 2022, is also bustling.
This year's mushroom festival, which opened on the 10th, will be held in the Namdaecheon area of Yangyang-eup until the 12th.
Although some events were canceled due to expected rain throughout the festival period, most events are proceeding as scheduled.
With favorable mushroom harvests due to rain during the Chuseok holiday, events such as mushroom treasure hunts are also being held successfully.
An official from the foundation said, "The rain before the festival had a positive impact on mushroom growth and harvesting," and "Although mushroom yields are difficult to predict, this year the festival timing was adjusted to a period of good mushroom growth, allowing it to be held smoothly."