The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of South Korea, led by Minister Song Miryung, has announced a comprehensive pork discount campaign for March. This initiative coincides with ‘Samgyeopsal Day’ and is designed to stabilize food prices and support consumers facing rising costs. The campaign utilizes the Han-don fund to subsidize discounts on popular pork cuts, specifically samgyeopsal (pork belly) and moksal (neck meat). The policy responds to temporary price increases linked to African Swine Fever (ASF) and aims to reassure the public regarding pork supply and affordability.
The program impacts a wide range of stakeholders, including consumers, retailers, and food service providers. Discounts of up to 50% are offered at nine major supermarket chains, over 1,000 retail locations, and certified Han-don restaurants and butcher shops nationwide. Participating outlets include E-Mart, Lotte Mart, GS Retail, Top Mart, Kim’s Club, Foodist, Mart King, Mega Mart, and National Mart, as well as Nonghyup Hanaro Mart. Online platforms such as Han-don Mall and Nonghyup Livly also feature special discount events. In addition, Cheongju Seomun Market is offering bundled pork products at reduced prices.
The campaign runs throughout March, with specific discount periods varying by retailer and location. For example, E-Mart and Kim’s Club offer samgyeopsal and moksal at 1,290 KRW per 100g from March 1 to 3, while GS Retail has multiple discount windows during the month. Certified Han-don restaurants and butcher shops provide menu discounts of up to 5,000 KRW or 500 KRW per 100g from March 3 to 22. Online events at Han-don Mall and Nonghyup Livly operate from March 3 to 17, with pork belly available for 1,990 KRW per 100g. The Ministry projects that pork supply and prices will stabilize after Samgyeopsal Day, despite temporary disruptions caused by ASF.
Frequently asked questions include: What payment methods are eligible for discounts at Hanaro Mart? Participating cards and payment platforms include NH, Kookmin, Samsung, Lotte, Woori, Jeonbuk Bank, KakaoPay, NaverPay, Toss, and Payco. How much is the discount at certified Han-don restaurants? Discounts are up to 5,000 KRW per menu or 500 KRW per 100g of pork. The Ministry will continue livestock product discount events and proactive supply stabilization measures for beef, pork, chicken, and eggs throughout the year.
Metaqsol opinion: The Ministry’s March pork discount campaign is a strategic intervention to address temporary price increases and supply concerns caused by ASF. By partnering with major retailers, certified outlets, and online platforms, the policy ensures broad consumer access to affordable pork. The program’s structure supports both price stability and local business participation. Ongoing supply management for other livestock products will be crucial for maintaining overall food price stability.