Ministry of Agriculture: "Pork and vegetable prices are stabilising" — supply management for Chuseok seasonal goods
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said that, on a KAMIS basis, the cost of a samgyeopsal meal in the first half of this year was 7,082 won for 1 person, up 6.2% from a year earlier, that pork and vegetable prices have recently been stabilising, and that it will pursue expanded supply and discount support for Chuseok seasonal goods. This is a government explanatory statement responding to a report that cited the Korea Consumer Agency's Chamgagyeok survey and said the first-half cost was 10,191 won for 1 person (up 11.8% from a year earlier) and more than 40,000 won for a 4-person family.
Key facts
| First-half meal cost (KAMIS) | 7,082 won for 1 person (up 6.2% from a year earlier); 28,328 won for a 4-person family |
|---|---|
| July–August cost (KAMIS) | 7,481 won in July–August 2025 → 7,594 won in July–August 2026 (up 1.5% from a year earlier) |
| Pork | Prices on a downward trend as shipments to wholesale markets expand |
| Vegetables | Shipment volumes up on good growing conditions for lettuce and other crops; prices holding below last year's and average-year levels |
| Chuseok response | Review of supply and demand for seasonal goods and other agricultural and livestock products; expanded supply and discount support to be pursued |
| Difference between surveys | The report said that, on the Korea Consumer Agency's Chamgagyeok basis, the first-half cost was 10,191 won for 1 person (up 11.8% from a year earlier) and more than 40,000 won for a 4-person family. Chamgagyeok surveys selling prices at retailers (department stores, large discount stores, supermarkets and convenience stores) in 16 metropolitan cities and provinces every two weeks, and the ministry explained that the share of department stores appears to have increased this year, which it says makes the rise look relatively large. |
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The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs issued an explanatory statement on the 25th in response to media reports on the cost of a samgyeopsal (pork belly) meal. The reports cited the Korea Consumer Agency's Chamgagyeok price survey, saying that in the first half of this year the ingredient cost of a samgyeopsal meal for 1 person was 10,191 won, up 11.8% from a year earlier, and that for a 4-person family it came to more than 40,000 won. The ministry said that, according to the Korea Agricultural Marketing Information Service (KAMIS), which the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) surveys and publishes daily, the cost of a samgyeopsal meal in the first half of this year was 7,082 won, up 6.2% from a year earlier, and about 28,328 won for a 4-person family. It explained that pork prices have recently been falling as shipments to wholesale markets expand, and that vegetables such as lettuce are also holding prices below last year's and average-year levels as good growing conditions increase shipment volumes. Accordingly, it added, the cost of a samgyeopsal meal in July–August rose 1.5% from 7,481 won in July–August 2025 to 7,594 won in July–August 2026, a level similar to a year earlier. The ministry said it will review the supply and demand situation for seasonal goods and other items and pursue expanded supply and discount support so that consumers can buy agricultural and livestock products more cheaply during the Chuseok holiday.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
How much does a samgyeopsal meal cost?
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said that, on a KAMIS basis, the cost in the first half of this year was 7,082 won for 1 person (up 6.2% from a year earlier) and about 28,328 won for a 4-person family.
Why do the amounts differ between survey bodies?
A report on 25 August cited the Korea Consumer Agency's Chamgagyeok survey and said the ingredient cost of a samgyeopsal meal for 1 person in the first half of this year was 10,191 won (up 11.8% from a year earlier), while the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said it was 7,082 won on a KAMIS basis (up 6.2% from a year earlier). The ministry explained that Chamgagyeok covers a relatively small number of retailers and has a high share of department stores, where prices are relatively high, so it may differ from the overall price level in the actual market.
What are the measures for Chuseok prices?
The ministry said it will closely review the supply and demand situation for seasonal goods and other agricultural and livestock products and pursue measures such as expanded supply and discount support.