Wild pine mushrooms from Yangyang, South Korea, known as “Yangyang songi.” (Image courtesy of Yangyang County)
YANGYANG, Oct. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – Wild pine mushrooms from Yangyang, South Korea, known as “Yangyang songi,” have shattered price records, selling for an unprecedented 1.6 million won per kilogram.
The Yangyang Sokcho Forestry Cooperative reported on October 1 that during the previous day’s auction, top-grade Yangyang songi mushrooms reached this new pinnacle.
The auction prices varied by grade, with second-grade mushrooms selling for 1.28 million won per kilogram, third-grade (growth-arrested) for 635,700 won, and non-standard grade for 441,600 won.
This latest price surge surpasses the previous record of 1,562,000 won per kilogram, set on September 21, 2023. To put this in perspective, these prized fungi are now trading at more than ten times the price of premium Korean beef, which typically sells for around 100,000 won per kilogram.
The astronomical prices have earned these mushrooms the moniker “golden mushrooms.” Industry experts attribute the soaring costs to poor harvests resulting from the scorching summer heat and drought conditions experienced this year.
The upward trend has been consistent throughout the season. At the first auction on September 20, top-grade Yangyang songi mushrooms sold for 1.11 million won per kilogram.
By September 29, the price had climbed to 1,511,200 won. Given this trajectory, there’s speculation that prices could climb even higher before the harvest season concludes later this month.
While Yangyang is a notable source, other major production areas for these coveted mushrooms include Inje and Samcheok in Gangwon Province, Uljin, Yeongdeok, and Bonghwa in North Gyeongsang Province, and Geochang in South Gyeongsang Province.
North Gyeongsang typically accounts for around 60% of domestic production, with Gangwon contributing between 25% and 39%, though these figures can fluctuate based on climate conditions.
Local residents of Yangyang proudly note that their mushrooms, the first forest product to receive geographical indication certification in South Korea, command higher prices than those from other regions due to their national reputation.
“They sell out almost immediately after procurement,” one local commented.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
