South Korea Releases Record Food Reserves For Chuseok

South Korea is making headlines this Chuseok, the country’s most significant annual holiday, by taking an unprecedented step to stabilize prices and ease the burden on households. On September 20, 2025, the government announced it would release approximately 172,000 tons of food reserves—the largest amount ever—into the market. This bold move comes as families across the nation prepare for the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time when demand for food and traditional gifts spikes dramatically.

According to the Ministry of Finance, as reported by TTXVN, the supplementary supply includes a range of essential items. Premium Hanwoo beef, a prized delicacy in South Korea, will nearly double in supply compared to previous years. Pork allocations have been increased by 30%, reaching 6.5 tons, while eggs and various other everyday staples are also part of the release. These measures, officials say, are designed to ensure that families can celebrate without facing steep price hikes or shortages—something that’s always a concern during the festive season.

But the government isn’t stopping there. Consumers will also enjoy hefty discounts on traditional gift sets, with prices slashed by up to 50%. These baskets, filled with familiar favorites like Spam and cooking oil, are a staple of Chuseok gift-giving. The discounts, which apply to a wide range of products, aim to make these gifts accessible to more families, especially as economic pressures persist for many households.

Officials have emphasized that these interventions serve a dual purpose. Not only do they help reduce the financial strain on families as they prepare for the holiday, but they also play a crucial role in stabilizing market confidence and curbing inflation. As a spokesperson from the Ministry of Finance put it, “This measure not only helps households reduce their spending burden, but also contributes to strengthening market confidence and limiting inflationary pressures during the most important reunion season of the year.”

The timing of this intervention is no accident. Chuseok, often referred to as the Korean Thanksgiving, is a period of mass travel, family gatherings, and elaborate feasts. With millions of people hitting the roads and grocery stores, demand for food and gifts surges, often leading to price spikes that can strain even the most carefully managed household budgets. The government’s decision to act preemptively is being seen as both a practical and symbolic gesture, signaling its commitment to supporting citizens during challenging times.

On the eve of the announcement, Nol Universe, a prominent South Korean travel and entertainment company, released an analysis of domestic and international tourism and leisure trends ahead of the holiday. Dubbed the “Golden Week of October,” Chuseok is a peak travel period, with many Koreans taking advantage of the extended break to visit family or explore new destinations. The analysis highlighted a robust uptick in both domestic and outbound travel, underscoring the importance of keeping prices stable so that families can allocate more of their budgets to experiences and celebrations rather than necessities.

While the government’s move has been widely praised, it also comes against a backdrop of broader economic challenges. Inflation has been a persistent concern in South Korea, as it has in many countries around the world. By releasing food reserves and offering deep discounts on essentials, policymakers hope to keep inflation in check, at least during the holiday period. “We are committed to ensuring that no family feels left behind during Chuseok,” an official stated. “Our goal is to make sure that everyone can enjoy the holiday without worrying about sudden price surges.”

The magnitude of the government’s action is hard to overstate. The 172,000 tons of food reserves represent a record high, far surpassing previous years’ releases. This includes not only the nearly doubled supply of Hanwoo beef and the significant increase in pork, but also a broad array of other staples that are central to Chuseok feasts. Eggs, for example, are a key ingredient in many traditional dishes, and ensuring their availability at stable prices is a top priority.

The discounts on gift sets are also noteworthy. In South Korea, giving gifts during Chuseok is more than a custom—it’s a cherished tradition that reinforces social bonds and expresses gratitude. By making these gifts more affordable, the government is helping to preserve this tradition at a time when many families are watching their spending more closely than ever. Products like Spam and cooking oil might seem mundane to outsiders, but in South Korea, they carry a special significance during holidays, often forming the backbone of the traditional gift basket.

Market analysts have pointed out that this strategy could have ripple effects beyond the immediate holiday period. By injecting such a large volume of reserves into the market, the government is not only addressing short-term price pressures but also sending a clear signal to producers and retailers that it is willing to act decisively to protect consumers. This could help temper speculative behavior and discourage opportunistic price hikes, which sometimes occur when demand outpaces supply during major holidays.

Of course, not everyone is convinced that the measures will be enough to fully offset inflationary pressures. Some economists caution that while the release of reserves and discounts will provide immediate relief, longer-term solutions are needed to address underlying supply chain challenges and global food price volatility. Still, most agree that the government’s actions are a necessary and welcome step, especially given the unique pressures of the Chuseok season.

Looking ahead, officials say they will continue to monitor market conditions closely and stand ready to take further action if needed. “We are watching the situation carefully,” a government spokesperson said. “If additional measures are required, we will not hesitate to act in the best interests of our citizens.”

For now, as families across South Korea prepare to gather around the table and celebrate Chuseok, many will be breathing a little easier knowing that the government has their backs. The combination of record food reserves, increased supplies of beloved staples, and generous discounts on traditional gifts is expected to make this year’s holiday a little brighter—and perhaps a bit more affordable—for everyone.

With the Chuseok holiday just around the corner, South Korea’s decisive intervention is shaping up to be one of the defining economic stories of the season, offering a timely reminder of the power of government action in times of need.