CreatripTeam

Korean supermarket chains have launched fierce price competition for fresh oysters (saeng-gul) as harvests pick up in October. Lotte Mart is selling 100g packs for 1,990 won after securing 50 tons through prior contracts with oyster farms. Competitors matched prices: E-Mart offers 250g for 4,990 won with a store card and points (about 1,996 won per 100g), and Homeplus sells 200g for 3,990 won (about 1,995 won per 100g). Oysters are in season from mid-October to June, and this year’s stock looks healthier and more plentiful than last year’s, when heatwaves and typhoons caused higher mortality. Retailers expect sales to surge during the kimchi-making season (gimjang).