▲ The spread of ASF

Pork prices are declining sharply due to African Swine Fever (ASF). The government notified that ASF is not harmful to people. However, consumers are reluctant to buy pork because of their vague doubt.

According to the Korean Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation, the wholesale price of pork was 4791 won per kilogram in September 2019. However, according to the statistics inspected on October 31st, the wholesale price of pork plunged from 4791 won to 2869 won. This price is plunging 28.2 percent compared to last year, 41.4 percent compared to last month, and 1.7 percent compared to October 30th. Because of the rapid decline in pork prices, South Korean farmers lost 150000 won per pig. So, the farmers require that South Korea should refrain from making excessive quarantine.

▲ A big sale on pork at the supermarket

In order to promote the sales of pork, farms and business in South Korea are holding back on an urge. There was a big sale on pork at the supermarket. The price was 990 won per 100 gram, which is cheaper than the price in 2009. The reason why the supermarket held a big sale was 70 percent of consumers are doubtful about the safety of pork due to ASF. According to an interview of the consumer, she said that she has not bought pork since ASD occurred for their family's health. This meant that the doubts for ASF are still unsolved. Due to this reason, the supermarkets' sales declined by about 13 percent.

▲ Actress Kim Soo-mi in Seoul Kimchi Festival promoted the comsumption of pork

To assure consumers to buy pork, Lee Jae-myeong, the governor of Gyeonggi Province and Park Won-soon, the mayor of Seoul, participated in Seoul Kimchi Festival held from November 1st to 3rd. Korean Actress Kim Soo-mi, who appears in a famous cooking program, also participated in the Seoul Kimchi Festival, and she distributed foods made by pork. After the festival, Governor Lee encouraged the people for the consumption of pork on his Facebook account. He ensured that the pork supplied in the market is safe and free from ASF, and he also confronted strongly on pigs that are infected by ASF.

Nov. 2nd, by Kwak Chae Hyeon