Holed Briquette Coming Back
By Jane Han
Staff Reporter
It used to be low-income households and old-fashioned homes that kept warm during winter by burning holed briquettes, but this late 70's style heating solution is looking more popular in general this year as penny-pinchers go for both warmth and savings.
Auction, the country's No. 1 e-marketplace, said Tuesday that an average of 400 heating stoves using either briquettes or wood as fuel were sold daily in the last week of October. This is a 60 percent sales increase compared to the same period a year ago.
``Consumer's use of the old-style heater proves that they want to save as much as they can during these financially troubling times,'' said Chung Jae-pil, a home appliance merchandiser at Auction.
He explained that eight briquettes, or ``yeontan,'' are enough to keep warm an average-sized two-bedroom apartment. Briquette stoves cost anywhere from 40,000 to 200,000 won, and one yeontan costs around 400 to 600 won.
Energy experts say that this method could save up to 80 to 90 percent on heating costs compared to conventional oil heaters.
``The wide selection of upgraded stoves are inviting even the younger generation to try them out,'' says Chung.
Other online retailers like G Market and Interpark said their recent sales records show that consumers are turning back the clock, opting for traditional heating solutions that help cut back on energy costs.
Some of the popular items include weather strips used to block out cold air, knee blankets and handheld heat packs. Most of these items cost less than 10,000 won.
``Winter is fast approaching, so we're moving fast to offer cheaper and friendlier heating solutions for frugal consumers,'' said Kim Sun-ah of Interpark.