Seoul, South Korea - Recent

The recent rise in vegetable prices in South Korea has increased dining-out costs for consumers and triggered widespread complaints and discontent among locals.

Bibimbap, one of South Korea's most popular and affordable meals made of rice mixed with meat and vegetables, has experienced constant price increase since early last year. According to the Korea Consumer Agency, the average price for a serving of bibimbap in Seoul exceeded 11,000 won (approximately 8.3 U.S. dollars) in September, marking a 5.12 percent rise from the previous year.

Other commonly consumed dishes, including naengmyeon (cold noodles) and Korean barbecue, have also seen average price increases of 4.58 percent over the past year.

The surge in vegetable prices is a major factor triggering the rising dining cost. For instance, the average wholesale price for a 4-kilogram box of spinach recently surpassed 370,000 won (approximately 279 U.S. dollars), nearly three times its price from the previous year.

Although prices for domestic napa cabbage have seen a slight decrease, they still averaged 8,920 won (about 6.7 U.S. dollars) on the 14th, reflecting a 128 percent increase from the same time last year.

Affected by the poor growth and delayed ripening due to unfavorable weather conditions, tomatoes are also facing strained supply. The Ministry of Agriculture reported a 43 percent decline in supply at wholesale markets compared to previous years.

Shotlist:
Seoul, South Korea - Recent:
1. Various of diners, food at restaurant;
2. Menu;
3. Customers eating;
4. Dish;
5. Various of customers barbecuing;
6. Posters of dishes;
7. SOUNDBITE (Korean) Seoul citizen (name not given) (starting with shot 6/ending with shots 8-10):
"For many people, soup rice is cost-effective and affordable. However, recently, a bowl of soup rice costs around 12,000 won (approximately 9 U.S. dollars), while set meals are about 18,000 won (approximately 13.5 U.S. dollars). Prices have increased significantly, and it feels like that almost all the things are increasing in prices.";
8. Shops along street, pedestrian walking;
9. Signboard of restaurant;
10. Various of customers eating;
11. Various of boxes, people at warehouse;
12. Boxes of cabbage;
13. Employees working;
14. Boxes of vegetables;
15. Various of vegetables at market;
16. SOUNDBITE (Korean) owner, side dish shop (name not given) (ending with shot 17):
"The price of cabbage has risen a lot. Recently, the cost of ingredients for making side dishes has more than doubled compared to the previous price.";
17. Various of side dishes;
18. Screenshot of kimchi prices;
19. Various of waiter cutting meat for customers;
20. Various of customers buying fruits, vegetables;
21. Boxes of tomatoes;
22. Various of tomato plants in greenhouse;
23. Street scene, pedestrians walking;
24. Sign of "McDonald's";
25. Customers waiting, ordering food;
26. Employees cooking.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]