In South Korea, the onset of cooler weather marks a critical period for price monitoring authorities, particularly concerning napa cabbage, a key ingredient in kimchi. The Korea Price Research Centre has observed signs of strain in cabbage prices with an anticipated increase of 22.5 per cent from last year as the gimjang season approaches. This increase would push the average retail price of a cabbage head to 5,300 won, a notable rise from previous years. The centre attributes this trend to a combination of factors, including adverse weather conditions that have affected vegetable prices overall. Despite the current high wholesale prices, a decrease is expected as the harvest season peaks. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is preparing measures to ensure a stable supply of kimchi ingredients, reflecting the importance of this staple in Korean cuisine.
Source: The Star