Seoul, South Korea - Amid the annual "gimjang" season, when households traditionally prepare kimchi for the winter, South Korea's Deputy Finance Minister Hong Doo-seon announced Thursday that the government will continue its efforts to control inflation. This statement comes in light of reports indicating a decrease in the average cost of making kimchi from 20 cabbages this year.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the deputy finance minister mentioned that while the average price for making kimchi has dropped to 191,000 won (US$147), down 11.7 percent from last year, the government remains focused on curbing inflation due to ongoing uncertainties, including weather conditions affecting agricultural product prices. Gimjang, a significant cultural tradition in South Korea, involves preparing large quantities of kimchi, a staple side dish made from fermented vegetables and red pepper, during November and December.
Hong also noted that despite signs of stabilization in agricultural product prices, factors like high costs of apples and other fruits due to lower production persist. The government plans to mitigate these costs by implementing discount promotions and other measures.