The average cost of preparing kimchi for a family of four this year is estimated at around 378,000 won when buying ingredients at traditional markets, nearly 10% lower than last year.

The decline is largely due to the stabilization of key kimchi ingredients such as napa cabbage and radish.

According to a nationwide survey released by the Korea Price Information Center, which tracked prices in 17 cities and provinces, the average kimchi-making cost was 378,860 won at traditional markets, down 9.6% from the same period last year.

At large supermarkets, the cost was higher at 477,750 won, though still 8.4% lower than a year ago. On average, traditional markets were about 98,890 won cheaper than large retailers.

By region, Jeju recorded the highest kimchi cost at 417,520 won, followed by Gangwon (415,440 won), Sejong (414,460 won), Chungnam (408,390 won), and Gyeongbuk (404,590 won).

In Busan, kimchi-making costs were slightly above the national average at 391,760 won at traditional markets and 474,530 won at large supermarkets, putting the city in the mid-to-upper range nationwide.

Korean