South Korea unveils record Chuseok food supplies as inflation hits 3.1%

  • South Korea finalized 2026 Chuseok measures as inflation reached 3.1% and announced expanded price-support programs.
  • The government will supply 183,000 tons of 19 holiday products and provide 103 billion won in discounts.
  • The inflation increase reflected a mobile-fee base effect, while the oil price ceiling program lowered reported inflation by 0.5 percentage point.

South Korea finalized its 2026 Chuseok Livelihood Stabilization Measures as consumer inflation reached 3.1% last month, with the government estimating an underlying rate of about 2.5% without a temporary mobile-phone discount base effect. The package will supply a record 183,000 tons of 19 seasonal products at 1.6 times normal levels and provide 103 billion won in discount support, including discounts of up to 40% on agricultural and livestock goods, up to 50% on major seafood and up to 64% on about 4,700 processed foods. It also includes Onnuri Gift Certificate rebates at 300 traditional markets, 43.4 trillion won in holiday financing for small businesses and SMEs, a one-year extension on 62.4 trillion won in maturing loans and guarantees, 480 billion won in policy financing for vulnerable groups, transportation and tourism incentives, and fuel-related support through year-end. President Lee Jae-myung separately pressed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance nominee Lee Hyung-il on price control and said, while calling it an excessive joke, that he could withdraw the ministerial nomination.

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