As Korea approaches the chobok (first day of the hottest period in summer), demand for fresh chicken, a key ingredient for samgyetang (traditional chicken soup with ginseng), is rising, and ongoing severe heatwaves are affecting chicken supply. Consequently, the price of samgyetang has increased significantly, with some restaurants charging over 20,000 KRW per bowl in Seoul. This price is expected to rise further due to increased demand and the heat-induced mortality of chickens, which has been reported to be over ten times higher compared to the same period last year. The government and retailers are introducing measures like discounts to stabilize the market.
