Consumers planning weekend barbecues or home-cooked meals face mounting costs as beef, pork, and chicken prices have all risen more than 10% from a year ago.
According to the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation, the average retail price of pork belly stood at 2,637 won ($1.82) per 100 grams as of April 4, up 13.5% year-on-year. Pork shoulder rose 14.5% to 2,442 won, while pork front leg increased 11.8% to 1,548 won.
Korean beef prices are also climbing. Grade 1+ tenderloin reached 15,247 won per 100 grams, up 10.8% from last year, while sirloin rose 13% to 12,361 won. Brisket jumped 14.3% to 6,772 won. Ribs and round cuts are also trading above year-ago levels.
Chicken prices have increased as well. Broiler chicken rose 11.1% to 6,263 won per kilogram. A tray of 30 extra-large eggs climbed 5.9% to 6,852 won.
"The price increases in pork, chicken, and eggs are largely due to the spread of African Swine Fever and highly pathogenic avian influenza," a Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs official said. "The rise in Korean beef prices is mainly attributable to declining cattle inventory."
Pork prices were heavily affected by shipment delays following ASF outbreaks. The number of ASF cases this year has reached 22, more than triple the six cases recorded for all of last year.
Egg prices rose amid the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, as expanded culling and reduced production tightened supply. More than 50 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported this winter season.
Imported beef prices have also surged. U.S. chuck eye roll (chilled) jumped 63.7% to 4,089 won per 100 grams, driven by reduced supply and a weaker won.
Grain and agricultural prices are trending higher as well. The average retail price of rice exceeded 63,000 won per 20 kilograms, up approximately 15% from last year. The agriculture ministry plans to gradually release up to 150,000 tons of government stockpiles to stabilize prices.
Vegetable prices remain elevated for select items. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, the average retail price of spinach stood at 1,060 won per 100 grams as of April 4, up 11% year-on-year. Lettuce, bell peppers, and garlic are also maintaining high price levels.
Fruit prices have risen as well. A box of 10 Fuji apples (premium grade) reached 28,108 won, up 2.7% from a year ago. Imported fruit prices have also jumped due to the weaker won. Bananas rose 16.5% to 346 won per 100 grams, while mangoes surged 43% to 5,674 won each.