South Korea Chuseok ritual food costs expected to exceed 300,000 won

The cost of preparing ritual food for the Chuseok holiday in South Korea is expected to exceed 300,000 won at traditional markets. According to investigations by Korea Price Information, costs at traditional markets are estimated at 302,500 won, while large supermarkets are higher at 397,700 won. This represents a slight increase compared to last year.

Rising prices for certain vegetables, livestock, and seafood—driven by summer heatwaves and heavy rainfall—have contributed to the increase. Specifically, items such as chicken, eggs, and radish have seen price hikes. Conversely, some fruit and nut varieties have remained stable or seen slight decreases.

To alleviate the burden on consumers, the South Korean government plans to increase the supply of seasonal goods to 1.6 times the usual level and provide significant discount support for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products. Additionally, local initiatives are providing discounted eggs through partnerships with small business support organizations.