"1.62 Million Won per kg? Why Are Prices So High... Even After Chuseok, They Haven't Dropped" Yangyang Songi Mushrooms Reach Record-High Price

Production Drops Due to Heat and Drought, Demand Surges
No. 1 Forest Product with Geographical Indication by the Korea Forest Service

The wholesale price of Songi mushrooms from Yangyang, Gangwon, has been rising steeply. The price of the highest-grade, first-class mushrooms has surpassed 1.62 million won per kilogram, setting a record-high price.

According to the National Forestry Cooperatives Federation on September 30, the wholesale price for first-grade Yangyang Songi mushrooms was set at 1,623,700 won per kilogram, which is 12,500 won higher than the previous record of 1,611,200 won set on October 3 of last year.

On this day, a total of 158.3 kilograms of Yangyang Songi mushrooms were traded, with the total transaction amount recorded at 57,340,663 won. By grade, 2.5 kilograms of first-class mushrooms were sold at 1,623,700 won per kilogram, 2.49 kilograms of second-class mushrooms were sold at 1,033,700 won per kilogram, and 5.9 kilograms of non-growing product was traded at 613,700 won per kilogram. Additionally, 26.34 kilograms of estimated product and 121.07 kilograms of off-grade product were sold at 515,500 won and 276,768 won per kilogram, respectively.

Jeon Doyoung, head of the Yangyang-Sokcho Forestry Cooperative, cited dry and hot weather, as well as a decrease in production volume, as reasons for the price increase. He explained, "The current hot and dry weather has reduced Songi yields by half," adding, "Since the quantity is low, buyers bid at the highest price because of demand."

He also mentioned the possibility that certain buyers influenced the price formation. Jeon said, "When a person in need tries to purchase, the bidding price at the Songi market can be driven higher." However, regarding whether the record-high will continue, he commented, "Today seems to be a special case," suggesting this could be a temporary phenomenon.

Yangyang Songi mushrooms are known for their low moisture content, firmness, and rich, deep aroma. In 2006, it was registered as Forest Product Geographical Indication No. 1 by the Korea Forest Service. The Forest Product Geographical Indication system is a policy enabling the labeling of a region of production or processing for forest or agricultural products whose quality or reputation is attributable to geographical features of that specific region.

Songi mushrooms can only be harvested during a specific period, and their rarity contributes to their high price. Typically, prices peak ahead of Chuseok, the major gifting holiday, due to increased demand. However, this year, the high prices have persisted even after Chuseok.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.