A recent survey showed that grocery prices have generally trended downward this month following the Chuseok and early October golden holidays.

According to the October 2026 KPI Price Trend Report published today (the 21st) by Korea Price Information, a specialized price research agency, prices for many items—including vegetables, livestock, and marine products—shifted to a downward trend due to a slowdown in consumption after the early-month holidays and the arrival of the autumn harvest season.

In the grain category, major grains such as newly harvested glutinous rice, regular rice, black rice, and sesame seeds saw price drops driven by increased supply.

According to Korea Price Information, as of the fourth week of October, the price of glutinous rice at traditional markets dropped by 3,000 won from the previous month to 30,000 won for an 8-kilogram bag, while regular rice fell by 1,000 won to 29,000 won for the same volume compared to a month ago.

Vegetables, which saw concentrated shopping demand during the holidays, pivoted to a price decline aided by decreased consumption alongside improved growing environments and shipping conditions.

Green cucumbers (10 pieces, 2 kilograms) cost 7,000 won, and chives (1 kilogram) cost 6,000 won, both falling by 8,000 won compared to September, making them less than half their previous prices.

Drop rates were also significant for water dropwort (5,000 won) and napa cabbage (3,000 won).

In the livestock category, prices for major items also fell, with a 600-gram (1-geun) cut of Grade A1+ beef tenderloin dropping by 20,000 won and chuck flap tail falling by 10,000 won.

Among marine products, male blue crabs, which had seen sharp price spikes during their peak season, showed price decreases following the holidays.

However, the current price of male blue crabs at 25,000 won per kilogram is 5,000 won more expensive compared to last year.

Among fruits, watermelon prices rose due to increased costs and decreased shipment volumes as harvesting transitioned from open-field cultivation to greenhouse farming.

Korea Price Information projected that "if the shipment of newly harvested grains and seasonal agricultural products continues and weather conditions remain stable, agricultural product prices will likely maintain a relatively stable trend."

(Photo: Yonhap News)