By early August 2025, in supermarkets and farmers’ markets across South Korea, the price of a common Chinese cabbage had soared to 10,000 won (approximately 55 yuan) per plant, an increase of over 70% compared to the same period last year. In South Korea, which is renowned worldwide for its kimchi culture, this “cabbage crisis” has not only affected the daily shopping of housewives but also sparked widespread discussions on agricultural product prices, climate change, and food safety.
Multiple factors have driven up prices
According to data released by South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) on August 6th, the average wholesale price of Chinese cabbage across the country has exceeded 7,500 won per plant from the end of July to the beginning of August this year, and the retail price has generally exceeded 10,000 won. It has risen by more than 70% compared with the same period in 2024, reaching a new high for the same period in the past five years.
The Chosun Ilbo of South Korea, citing an analysis by experts from the agricultural sector, pointed out that the main reasons for the sharp increase in cabbage prices this summer include:
- Frequent extreme weather: The southern and central regions of South Korea were hit by alternating heavy rain, high temperatures, and droughts in June and July, causing a reduction in the production of cabbages in the growing areas.
- Spread of pests and diseases: Due to the high temperature and humid environment, pests have proliferated on a large scale, forcing some cabbage bases to harvest earlier and affecting supply.
- Rising labor and transportation costs: The shortage of agricultural labor has led to an increase in labor costs, coupled with the rise in fuel prices, which has significantly raised the costs in the circulation process.
The Korean agricultural information platform 농민신문 (farmers’ News) also pointed out that although farmers’ income seems to have increased, profits have not grown year-on-year due to the overall increase in production costs, which has exacerbated the uncertainty of agricultural production.
Household consumption has been affected, and kimchi manufacturers are facing cost pressure
In Korea, cabbage is not only the main ingredient in daily stir-frying, but also the core ingredient in making traditional Kimchi (김치, Kimchi). Especially during the “kimchi season” (김장철) every autumn, it is an important time for every household to buy large quantities of cabbages for pickling.
“Before, a big Chinese cabbage only cost two or three thousand won, but now it costs over ten thousand. I have already reduced the amount of kimchi I make myself.” ” A housewife surnamed Zhang who lives in Gangnam District, Seoul, said, “I might have to consider buying ready-made kimchi this year.”
For kimchi producers, this is an even more severe test. CJ First Sugar, a well-known food company, stated that although it has stockpiled some raw materials, if the price of Chinese cabbage remains high, the company will be forced to adjust the prices of some of its kimchi products. We are evaluating the suggested retail prices of some kimchi products after mid-August. A spokesperson for the company told Yonhap News Agency.
According to the data from the Korea Kimchi Association, South Korea’s kimchi export value reached a new high of over 160 million US dollars in 2024. However, with the significant increase in raw material prices, the kimchi industry may face the dual pressure of cost passing and a decline in export profits in 2025.
The government intervened urgently to promote the parallel development of imports and subsidies
In response to the continuous surge in the price of Chinese cabbage, the South Korean government announced this week that it would launch emergency intervention measures to stabilize people’s livelihoods and market supply. An official from South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said that they will increase imports of Chinese cabbage from countries such as China to ease short-term supply pressure.
Meanwhile, the government also plans to provide subsidies for purchasing Chinese cabbage to some low-income families and support farmers in purchasing pest and disease control equipment and drought-resistant planting tools to enhance the agricultural risk resistance capacity.
KBS News Network of South Korea commented that the cabbage crisis is not only a microcosm of inflation, but also reveals the vulnerability of South Korea’s agricultural industrial chain to climate change and supply chain shocks.
Netizens reacted strongly, and “cabbage freedom” became a new buzzword
The recent sharp increase in the price of Chinese cabbage has also quickly sparked heated discussions on social media. “10,000 won for a cabbage. Can I afford kimchi anymore?” “Chinese cabbage is almost as good as imported beef!” ” Similar teasing is rife on South Korea’s local social media platform Naver and the global platform X (formerly Twitter).
Even some netizens joked, “These days, whoever has pickles on their dining table is the true middle class.” The hashtag # cabbage freedom (배추자유) also quickly made it onto the trending topics list.
A food blogger posted a video on YouTube comparing the production cost of traditional kimchi with that of ready-made kimchi bought from supermarkets, which has been widely shared. Some netizens suggested: “Perhaps it’s time to try some modern kimchi alternatives without Chinese cabbage, such as cucumber and radish kimchi.”
Conclusion: The transformation moment of the Kimchi Country?
Chinese cabbage is a “national vegetable” in the hearts of South Koreans, while kimchi is a form of cultural identity. However, under the combined influence of an unstable global climate, a mismatch between agricultural supply and demand, and economic pressure, even the most basic consumer goods for people’s livelihood may face huge fluctuations.
The recent sharp increase in the price of Chinese cabbage may just be a microcosm, but it once again reminds policymakers and consumers that deeper reforms and support are needed for agricultural structure, food security, and climate resilience.
Facing the reality that “cabbages are not free”, South Korean society is also seeking a new balance: while preserving the traditional kimchi culture, it is also attempting modern innovations in technology and consumption patterns.
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