The price of fresh vegetables has risen dramatically in recent months. For some varieties, the price has doubled in just one year. Analysts say that the abnormally harsh weather this past winter severely hampered production while demand has remained constant. Joseph Kim reports.

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Restaurant in Jeju City

Cooks prepare food at a restaurant in Jeju City.

Green onion, lettuce, garlic and other vegetables are among the main ingredients.

But the soaring cost of vegetables has placed a burden on restaurant owners.

[INTERVIEW]
Yang Jin-bong / Local restaurant staff member
As our restaurant uses a lot of green onions, lettuce, garlic, and other vegetables every day, rising vegetable prices affect our bottom line.
<인터뷰 : 양진봉/OO식당 과장>
"아무래도 정육식당이다 보니까 상추나 대파, 마늘 가격이 오르면 원재료비 부담이 커져 매출에 큰 영향이 있습니다."


The market price for onions has doubled to 1,800 won per kilogram.

An 18 kg box of radishes is 19,110 won on average, which is a 120 percent increase.

And the cost of Chinese cabbage and garlic rose by 91 percent and 47 percent respectively.


Consumers are reluctant to purchase the vegetables and are starting to turn away. Shoppers are seeking alternatives.

[INTERVIEW]
Yi Hwa-chun / Shopper
The price of green onions has doubled compared to last year. Everything is just too expensive.
<인터뷰 : 이화춘/제주시 일도2동>
"대파도 전보다 2배로 올랐죠. 전에는 반값이면 샀는데… 대체로 물건이 다 비싸요."

[CAMERA]
Ko Moon-su, Park Byeong-joon

The extended rainy season and cold wave during last winter negatively impacted crop production.

Supply cannot meet demand, causing the vegetable prices to spike.

[INTERVIEW]
Yang Seong-hun / Grocery store worker
We had a bad harvest this winter due to unfavorable weather conditions. Production dropped dramatically while demand remained high. Vegetable prices have soared 30 percent on average, and the higher prices are expected to continue until later this year.
<인터뷰 : 양성훈/OO마트 농산물팀 파트장>
"잦은 비날씨로 작황이 안 좋았습니다. 생산량이 감소해서 수요는 많은데 소비가 줄어서
많이 올랐습니다. 30% 정도 올랐고 이런 현상이 올해 중반까지 이어지지 않을까 생각합니다."

[Reporter]
Joseph Kim

Vegetable prices are placing a big burden on families on the island.

Joseph Kim, KCTV