Retail prices compared to the same period last year as of Oct. 22 show radishes, chili powder, and garlic also trending lower.
Salted shrimp hits 20,647 won per kilogram, while anchovy sauce and sea salt rise 2.4% and 3.0%, respectively.
Ahead of the peak season for making kimchi, prices for napa cabbage, radishes, and domestic red pepper powder have dropped compared to a year ago. In contrast, salted shrimp prices surged 35% year-on-year, while anchovy fish sauce and coarse sea salt also increased, showing a divergent price trend among key ingredients.
According to retail price data released on the 22nd by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation's (aT) Korea Agricultural Marketing Information Service (KAMIS), high-land napa cabbage stood at 4,616 won per head, down 18.0% from 5,628 won during the same period last year. High-land radishes fell 7.1% to 2,212 won per piece from 2,381 won over the same timeframe.
Agricultural commodities used as seasonings were also cheaper than last year. Domestic red pepper powder edged down 1.9% year-on-year to 31,414 won per kilogram. Domestic peeled garlic and fresh ginger dropped 2.1% and 17.2%, respectively, to 10,982 won and 11,686 won per kilogram.
Among fermented seafood condiments, the price hike for salted shrimp was particularly pronounced. The retail price for a 1-kilogram package reached 20,647 won, up 5,350 won (35.0%) from 15,297 won a year earlier. Anchovy fish sauce stood at 6,259 won per kilogram, 2.4% higher than 6,115 won in the same period last year.
Coarse sea salt, essential for brining cabbages, was also more expensive than a year ago. A 5-kilogram bag cost 11,941 won, up 350 won (3.0%) from 11,591 won during the same period last year.
Price trends over the past month varied by item. While peeled garlic and radishes remained cheaper than last year, they rose 2.1% and 2.3%, respectively, compared to a month ago. Napa cabbage and red pepper powder fell 23.4% and 7.6%, respectively, on a monthly basis. Sea salt edged down slightly from 12,038 won a month prior.
* Prices are based on KAMIS retail prices as of Oct. 22, 2026. Month-on-month and year-on-year comparative prices are based on the 5-day moving average for the respective periods.
