Prices of everyday goods moved in opposite directions in September as a late summer heat wave and frequent rain shaped harvests. Fruit prices, including apples, pears and grapes, fell as shipments increased during the autumn harvest. Vegetable prices rose, however, after insufficient sunlight and repeated rainfall disrupted growth and harvesting.
Agricultural prices diverged in September depending on weather conditions and shipment timing, according to a September 2026 KPI price trend report released on the 3rd by Korea Price Information. Newly harvested grains, fruit and dried seafood declined as supply expanded, while vegetables and some fishery and salted seafood products rose.
Among grains, the arrival of this year's crop and Chuseok demand pulled prices in different directions. Sesame seed prices fell as shipments of the new crop increased. Standard rice prices rose, by contrast, because early shipments of the new harvest were not yet sufficient while holiday demand added pressure.
Fruit prices declined broadly. Early-season apple and pear varieties, including Hongro apples and Wonhwang pears, began reaching the market, while open-field grapes and Shine Muscat grapes were also released. The declines reflected larger supply as the harvest season began.
Frequent Rain and Scarce Sunlight Push Vegetable Prices Higher
Temperatures eased in early autumn, but a lack of sunlight held back crop growth. Continued rainfall also disrupted harvesting work. Vegetable prices rose overall as the volume reaching markets declined.
Among fishery products, prices of live blue crab rose. Supply resumed after the end of the closed fishing season, but demand for male blue crab, favored in autumn, increased.
Salted seafood products also trended higher, reflecting an imbalance in raw material supply and the cost of aging and storage. For salted shrimp, conditions for securing raw materials and management costs likewise drove prices up.
Dried seafood prices moved the other way, falling as shipments of newly caught anchovies increased. Anchovies landed during the summer fishing season were dried and processed into varieties such as fine anchovies and anchovies caught using the traditional jukbang fixed-net method, increasing market supply.
Discounts Ahead of Chuseok Fail to Ease Household Costs
Retailers expanded promotions on processed foods and household goods ahead of the Chuseok holiday. Discounters increased bundle sales and card-linked promotions on instant noodles, instant rice and frozen foods, as well as snacks, beverages and coffee. Discounts also began in earnest on household items such as detergent, toilet paper and kitchen goods, along with holiday gift sets.
Outside the promotional items, however, the burden of living costs has persisted. Raw material, labor and logistics expenses continue to weigh on prices.
Agricultural prices are expected to track weather conditions and shipment volumes going forward. Prices of newly harvested grains and fruit may stabilize as autumn shipments increase, but vegetable prices could swing sharply over short periods depending on growing and harvesting conditions.
Korea Price Information said supply conditions for new grains and fruit are likely to improve as harvesting and shipments expand, while vegetables could see greater short-term price volatility depending on growing conditions and working conditions in the fields, adding that continued monitoring is needed.
