[DiaryPoint = Reporter Eom Ju-yong] A promotion offering discounts on seafood used for kimjang, including salted shrimp, sea salt and oysters, is underway through Nov. 29. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is putting up 20 billion won for the Korea Seafood Festival, part of the Korea Seafood Grand Festival, to cover 20% of purchases, up to 10,000 won per person.
The event began Oct. 28 and is running at 56 retailers and online marketplaces nationwide. Discounts can reach 50% when participating sellers’ own deals are included. That is the maximum for the event overall; the same discount does not apply to every product or seller.
Kimjang ingredients and everyday seafood are included
The ministry lists sea salt, salted shrimp, anchovy fish sauce and oysters as key kimjang ingredients. Mackerel, squid, hairtail, dried anchovies and dried laver are also eligible. Farmed seafood, including whiteleg shrimp, freshwater eel and abalone, is included as well.
But a product category appearing on the list does not mean every store carries the same eligible items. Specific discounted products vary by participating seller, and event dates may differ by retailer. The ministry said 24 in-person retailers and 32 online sellers are taking part.
Check each seller’s dates and product labels before shopping
Shoppers can check the Korea Seafood Grand Festival’s official website for the promotion dates and eligible products at a store or online marketplace. After finding a seller on the site, check its event page or in-store notices to see which products qualify and how the discount and purchase limit are applied.
Government support covers 20% of the purchase, up to 10,000 won per person, and can be combined with seller discounts for savings of up to 50%. Check the final price and whether the discount has been applied at checkout. The overall event runs through Nov. 29, but individual sellers may have different dates and eligible products.