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For Chuseok deals, go to traditional markets
By Ko Dong-hwan
Shopping for Chuseok, the national Thanksgiving holiday, is cheaper at traditional markets than hypermart chain stores, a small business association said this week.
A study by the Small Enterprise and Market Service looked at the prices of staple Chuseok items. After polling 36 traditional market and 36 hypermarts, it found that the traditional markets were far cheaper.
Chuseok food shopping for a family of four cost around 268,009 won at hypermarts, which combine a supermarket with a department store. However, at traditional markets, the average cost was 213,553 won.
By item, vegetables cost 32 percent less at traditional markets, meat 25 percent less, seafood 19 percent less, and bean curd, rice cakes and traditional sweets and fruits 13 percent.
Jujubes, dried persimmon, bean sprouts and bracken all sold cheaper in traditional markets as well, ranging from 21 to 44 percent cheaper.
Traditional markets offering the most affordable shopping expenses included ones in Gwangju at 199,000 won, Daejeon (204,000 won), Gyeonggi Province (208,000 won) and North Jeolla Province (209,000 won).