The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) is intensifying efforts to stabilize food prices and ensure sufficient supply of key agricultural products during the Lunar New Year holiday. Minister Song Mi-ryeong visited major distribution centers and supermarkets in Chungcheongnam-do and Cheonan to inspect supply and encourage stakeholders. The policy aims to address consumer concerns about price increases and shortages of holiday foods, particularly apples, pears, and other popular items. MAFRA is collaborating with producer organizations such as the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation and self-help groups to maximize the impact of these measures.
Consumers, producers, and retailers across South Korea are directly impacted by these expanded supply and discount initiatives. Apple supply during the holiday is increased to 7.5 times the normal volume, reaching 26,500 tons. The number of discounted gift sets for apples, pears, Shine Muscat grapes, and citrus fruits will double from 100,000 in 2025 to 200,000 in 2026. Fourteen key food items—including rice, cabbage, beef, pork, and eggs—are eligible for discounts of up to 40% at supermarkets, local food stores, online malls, and traditional markets. Special refund events in 200 traditional markets offer up to 30% cashback in Onnuri gift certificates for domestic agricultural purchases.
The expanded discount support budget rises from KRW 1,003 billion in 2025 to KRW 1,067 billion in 2026, with government and producer contributions. The main implementation period is January 29 to February 16, 2026, covering the peak holiday shopping season. Traditional market refund events run from February 10 to 14, with a KRW 20,000 per-person limit. MAFRA is also opening agricultural facilities for free, strengthening food safety inspections, and providing information on animal hospitals to prevent service gaps during the holiday. Mobile notification services will be piloted to reduce consumer wait times at refund events.
Consumers frequently ask which products are eligible for discounts and how to access them. Fourteen items, including rice, cabbage, beef, pork, and eggs, are covered, with discounts available at major retailers and traditional markets. Another common question is about the refund event: shoppers at 200 traditional markets can receive up to 30% cashback in Onnuri gift certificates, with a KRW 20,000 limit per person. MAFRA also provides information on animal hospitals operating during the holiday to ensure pet care continuity.
Metaqsol opinion: The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is taking robust steps to stabilize food prices and ensure sufficient supply during the Lunar New Year. The increase in supply volumes and discount budgets, along with special refund events in traditional markets, directly addresses consumer concerns about affordability. The doubling of discounted gift sets and expanded eligibility for key food items are practical measures that benefit both consumers and producers. The policy’s timing and scope, including additional support for food safety and pet care, reflect a comprehensive strategy to support the public during the holiday season.