On June 8, chocolates were displayed at a large supermarket in Seoul. According to data from Statistics Korea’s national statistics portal (KOSIS), as of last month, prices rose for 53 out of 74 processed food items—accounting for 72% of the total—compared to November of last year, just before the emergency declaration. Chocolate prices jumped by 10.4%, while coffee rose by 8.2%. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 15 (Korea Bizwire) — For many South Korean households, the rising cost of everyday groceries is no longer just an inconvenience—it’s a growing burden. From fresh eggs to packaged snacks, the price tags lining supermarket shelves are fueling consumer frustration and prompting government action.
According to data released Sunday, South Korea ranked as the second most expensive country for food and beverages among the 38 member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
In 2023, the country’s food and beverage price index stood at 147, a striking 47 percent higher than the OECD average, based on purchasing power parity. Only Switzerland, at 163, had higher prices. For comparison, the index stood at 94 in the United States, 126 in Japan, and 107 in Germany.
The rising cost of living extends beyond groceries. In the first quarter of 2025, South Korea’s overall consumer price index (CPI) reached 116.03, reflecting a 16 percent increase over the past five years, according to Statistics Korea.
This photo shows chocolates displayed at a large supermarket in central Seoul on June 8, 2025, amid a surge in processed food and coffee prices. (Yonhap)
A closer look at daily essentials—items that include food, clothing, and housing—reveals even sharper increases. The CPI for daily necessities hit 119.09, while the index for food alone surged to 125.04.
With public concern mounting, the Seoul government is working to craft a coordinated strategy to rein in costs, focusing in particular on eggs and processed foods, where prices have spiked the most dramatically.
As officials deliberate on policy responses, consumers across the country continue to adjust—buying less, switching brands, and searching for smaller portions—highlighting how the nation’s price pressure is reshaping daily life.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
