Seoul, August 4 (CNBC) – South Korean consumers are feeling the heat, and not just from the summer sun. Soaring temperatures are driving up the prices of essential agricultural products, with some staple goods costing over 40% more than they did last year, according to a report by South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency on August 3rd.
Data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation reveals a stark example: a single watermelon now retails for a whopping ₩33,337 (approximately $25.50 USD) as of August 1st. That’s a 17.6% jump compared to the same period last year.
The price of napa cabbage, a crucial ingredient in kimchi, has also skyrocketed. One head now costs ₩6,114 (around $4.70 USD), a staggering 68.0% increase from the previous month.
This price surge has triggered online discussions, with some users pointing to the relatively low cost and widespread availability of watermelons elsewhere, particularly in China.
The situation has sparked observations about the experiences of South Korean tourists abroad. The price discrepancy has led some to humorously note that South Korean tourists arriving in other countries often make it a priority to indulge in the relatively inexpensive and abundant watermelon.
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