"Don't Give Up on Kimjang"... Up to 50% Off Kimjang Ingredients: Until When? [The Essentials of Benefits]

Kimjang Costs 199,456 Won for a Family of Four... Down 9% Year Over Year
Up to 40% Off Agricultural and Livestock Products, Including Cabbage and Radish
Up to 50% Off Seafood, Including Salted Shrimp and Anchovy Sauce

Editor's Note"The more you know, the more you see." Even in an age overflowing with information, there are many things that pass us by without our knowing. In [The Essentials of Benefits], we bring you useful news to help with everyday life.

Kimjang, the tradition of making kimchi for the winter, is gradually disappearing. According to the Korea Rural Economic Institute, 58.6% of households plan to make kimchi themselves this year. The term "Gimpojok" (people who have given up on kimjang) has also emerged to describe those who buy packaged kimchi instead of making it themselves or receive kimchi from family or acquaintances. As the number of dual-income households grows and eating habits change, fewer households are making kimchi themselves.

Even so, people have their own reasons for making kimchi at home. Doing so lets them adjust the seasoning to suit their family's tastes and check the quality of the ingredients. Those hesitant to make kimchi because of the cost may want to look into the various discounts offered by the government.

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"Kimjang Will Be Less of a Burden This Year"... Cabbage Prices Plunge, Bringing Costs Below 200,000 Won

According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) on November 11, the cost of making kimchi with 20 heads of cabbage for a family of four this year was 199,456 won. That is down 9.0% from the average of 219,071 won in early November last year and 13.4% below the average for typical years of 230,442 won.

The main factor behind the lower cost of kimjang was a drop in cabbage prices. Twenty heads of cabbage cost 54,980 won, down 26.5% from 74,800 won during the same period last year. The decline reflects an increase in shipments, as more land was planted with autumn cabbage and growing conditions were favorable.

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Up to 40% Off Cabbage, Radish and Red Pepper Powder Through December 2

The government is providing 64 billion won to support discounts on kimjang ingredients to stabilize prices during kimjang season.

A total of 44 billion won will go toward discounts on agricultural and livestock products. More than 4,000 stores nationwide, including large and small-to-medium-sized supermarkets and online retailers, will offer discounts of up to 40% on all kimjang ingredients, including cabbage, radish, red pepper powder, garlic, green onions and ginger.

The promotion runs through December 2. The government will fund a 20% discount, with retailers adding their own discounts.

With cabbage prices weak this year, buying whole cabbages and salting them at home instead of buying pre-salted cabbage can further reduce costs. However, since it takes considerable effort, it is best to decide based on how much help family members can provide and how much time it will take.

Pork for suyuk, a staple of kimjang day, is also included in the discounts. However, the actual discount rate and per-person purchase limit vary by store and product.

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Up to 50% Off Salted Shrimp and Anchovy Sauce Through November 29

Discounts are even steeper on fermented seafood and salt. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is investing 20 billion won in the "Korea Seafood Festival Kimjang Season Special." Seafood products used for kimjang, including salted shrimp, anchovy sauce, sun-dried salt and oysters, as well as popular fish species, will be discounted by up to 50%.

The seafood discount promotion runs through November 29. Since salted shrimp and fish sauce can be stored for a relatively long time, buying them in advance during the discount period is also an option.

Participating vendors can be found on the Korea Seafood Festival website. Screenshot of the Korea Seafood Festival website.

You can check the participating businesses and discounted products on the Korea Seafood Festival website. It is a good idea to check whether a store is participating before visiting.

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