(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Seong Hye-mi = This year, the cost of purchasing kimchi ingredients for a family of four during the kimchi-making season at traditional markets is estimated to be 338,000 won, similar to last year.
While prices for napa cabbages, green onions, and solar salt have decreased compared to last year, the price of cabbages has risen due to delayed shipments caused by autumn rains and diseases. However, as the supply of cabbages gradually increases and with government support, the cost of making kimchi is expected to decrease further. The best time for making kimchi in the central region of the country is considered to be late this month to early next month.
According to the Korea Consumer Information Agency, a specialized price survey agency, as of the 14th, the cost of kimchi ingredients for a family of four at traditional markets was 338,500 won, and at large-scale supermarkets, it was 404,280 won, each increasing by 2.1% and 1.2% compared to last year.
Based on traditional markets, the price of napa cabbages (20 heads) rose from 100,000 won last year to 120,000 won this year, an increase of 20.0%.
Whole napa cabbages (3 bundles) increased by 11.1% to 15,000 won, green onions (2 bundles) increased by 20.0% to 24,000 won, ginger (800g) increased by 14.3% to 8,000 won, and anchovy sauce (1kg) increased by 8.33% to 6,500 won.
In contrast, the price of Chinese cabbages (10 pieces) decreased by 33.3% from 30,000 won last year to 20,000 won this year, green onions (2 bundles) decreased by 16.7% from 6,000 won to 5,000 won, solar salt (5kg) decreased by 40.0% from 10,000 won to 6,000 won, and shrimp sauce (1kg) decreased by 25.0% from 20,000 won to 15,000 won.
Red pepper powder (3kg) and peeled garlic (2.4kg) remained at the same price as last year at 95,000 won and 24,000 won, respectively.
The Consumer Information Agency explained that while the price of kimchi-making cabbages is currently strong, the prices of napa cabbages and salt have decreased, resulting in overall kimchi-making costs similar to last year.
Kimchi-making cabbages, unlike regular cabbages, are grown for 60 to 70 days and have less moisture and are crunchier inside. The Consumer Information Agency attributed the current rise in cabbage prices to the fact that the cabbages have not yet fully matured and have more moisture due to the autumn rains, resulting in a lower supply of suitable cabbages for kimchi-making.