With the peak kimjang season approaching, the government will inject a record 50 billion won to ease the burden on consumers. Key kimjang ingredients such as napa cabbage and radish will be sold at discounts of up to 40%.
The government said it finalized these measures, titled "stabilization plan for kimjang ingredient supply," at the Economic-Related Ministers' Meeting and the Price-Related Ministers' Meeting held on the 4th.
First, to ensure smooth supply of napa cabbage, 2,800 tons under contract cultivation will be shipped in a staggered manner, and 8,500 tons will be secured as reserves to be released into the market in case of supply instability. To prevent kimchi companies from cornering volume, household demand will be prioritized from mid-Nov. to early Dec.
Radish under contract cultivation, totaling 9,000 tons, will also be shipped sequentially, and 2,000 tons will be secured as government reserves. If autumn radish output declines, winter radish shipments will be brought forward to minimize any supply gap. For garlic, a total of 460 tons, including reserve volumes, will be supplied to large supermarkets and wholesale markets.
The government assessed that overall production conditions for kimjang ingredients are favorable this year, but some items such as garlic, anchovies, and fish sauce are still maintaining high price levels.
To ease the burden on consumers, the government will spend a total of 50 billion won, including 30 billion won for agricultural and livestock product discount events and 20 billion won for fisheries products. The discount events will run for five weeks through Dec. 3 at large supermarkets, traditional markets, and online malls nationwide. About 20 essential kimjang items such as napa cabbage, radish, chili peppers, garlic, and onions, as well as seasonal produce, are eligible. For fisheries products, items such as solar salt and salted shrimp will be discounted by up to 40%.
Minister Song Mi-ryung of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said, "We will make every effort, together with relevant ministries, to reduce consumers' burden so that they can make enough kimchi at the time they want and in the quantity they need."