Soaring cabbage prices push Hyesan families to skip kimjang

Kimchi-making, a traditional North Korean practice, is becoming increasingly difficult for many families in the Hyesan region due to soaring food prices. Kimjang, the annual autumn ritual of preparing kimchi, began in Hyesan this month, but families are finding it harder to afford the necessary ingredients.

Ryogang province, where Hyesan is located, has seen a sharp increase in the cost of cabbages and radishes, crucial components of kimchi. Cabbage prices have nearly doubled since January, with a kilogram now costing over 12,000 North Korean won. Radishes, another vital ingredient, have also seen a price surge, reaching 10,500 won per kilogram.

The situation is particularly dire for outlying neighborhoods far from Hyesan city, where day laborers struggle to make ends meet. In one such neighborhood, only one or two households managed to make kimchi last year, a stark contrast to previous years when more households could participate.

The financial strain caused by higher ingredient prices has led many families to abandon kimjang altogether. Some are resorting to buying cheaper alternatives like corn, which is now also significantly more expensive.

This trend is part of a broader food crisis in North Korea, with rice prices hitting record highs. While some households still manage to secure small quantities of vegetables through workplace channels, many families find themselves unable to afford the necessary ingredients.

The cost of kimchi-making has risen so dramatically that it is no longer a feasible option for many households. This has created a stark divide in Hyesan, where only wealthier families can afford to make kimchi for the winter, while poorer families are left out.