Politics · South Korea · 2 hrs ago
South Korea commits 64 billion won to cut kimchi-season costs
South Korea says grocery costs still feel high, even though consumer price inflation slowed to 2.8% in October.
The government will spend 64 billion won to ease the burden during the kimchi-making season.
The support includes discounts on key ingredients, with some kimchi staples discounted by up to 40%.
A separate seafood promotion will offer discounts of up to 50% on items including salted shrimp and other seafood.
The government also plans to adjust supplies from reserves and contract farming to respond to market conditions.
The measures aim to make seasonal food shopping more affordable as households prepare kimchi for winter.
The government says it will strengthen winter disease controls for livestock and monitor whether its support brings real price relief.
South Korea will spend 64 billion won on measures to reduce shopping costs during the kimchi-making season.
The government said 10-month consumer price inflation slowed to 2.8%, but households still faced high grocery costs.
The plan includes 44 billion won for discounts on key kimchi ingredients, with reductions of up to 40%.
A separate 20 billion won promotion will offer discounts of up to 50% on some seasonings and seafood.
The government also plans to adjust supplies from reserves and contract farming and strengthen winter livestock disease controls.
- Who
- The South Korean government.
- What
- It will spend 64 billion won on kimchi-season discounts and supply measures.
- When
- The plan was reported on November 3, 2026, ahead of the kimchi-making season.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- The government said grocery costs remained high for households despite slower consumer price inflation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Consumer price inflation was 2.8%, although the government said households still felt high grocery costs.
The government announced 64 billion won in kimchi-season discounts and supply measures.
- Total support
- 64 billion won
- Agricultural, livestock and fishery discounts
- 44 billion won; up to 40% off key kimchi ingredients
- Seafood promotion
- 20 billion won; discounts of up to 50%
- October consumer price inflation
- 2.8%
What people are saying
Prices are judged not by statistics but by shopping baskets