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South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, left, and his wife, Kwon Yang, arrive at Andrews Air Force Base in Md, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
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Soaring Kimchi Prices
As kimchi prices continue to soar day after day, most housekeepers tend to purchase packed kimchi on display in markets, rather than making it at home. According to a source from a discount market, as prices for cabbage, radish, and green onion keep climbing, sales of packed kimchi has also been increasing. He pointed out the phenomena that due to heavy rain and hot weather in July and August, vegetable prices skyrocketed, but they have not declined in September.
According to a source at Mega Mart, cabbages are now selling at 3,680 won, up 90% compared to the price of last July. Like cabbage, radishes are selling at 2,480 won, up 50% compared to the same month last year, and green onions are selling at 2,180 won, up 40%. Hot pepper power is now selling at 8,800 won for 600g, up 35% compared to July last year.
This phenomenon makes consumers prefer purchasing packed kimchi displayed on market shelves. In the case of the Dongrae branch of Mega Mart, the source said sales of packed kimchi increased in September, up 50% compared to last August. He said, “Vegetable prices will go down in the cabbage and radish-producing season in late September, but we are not sure because it is expected the consumption of vegetables will increase again prior to Chusok. So, probably, the prices will steadily go up for a while.”
Staff from Hanaro Club in Geumgok-dong said that cabbage prices rose 3,500 won, up 120% compared last July, and radishes are selling at 2,180 won, up 140% compared to last July. This phenomenon is almost the same at any market. Home Plus sells cabbage at 3,790 won, up 110%. A majority of sources point out that the steadily rising vegetable prices will make consumers purchase factory-made kimchi.
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 / 입력시간: 2006. 09.13. 08:02
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