South Korea's government is investing a total of KRW 64 billion to support discounts on agricultural and fishery products during the 2026 Kimjang season, when households prepare kimchi for the winter. Participating supermarkets offer discounts of up to 40% on kimchi-making ingredients, while seafood discounts reach up to 50%. General consumers can purchase Nonghal gift certificates at a 20% discount from November 9 to 15. However, the 50% maximum does not apply uniformly to every product, so shoppers should distinguish between participating retailers and the different discount methods.
Where Can You Get Discounts on 2026 Kimjang Ingredients, and How Much Can You Save?
The government's discount support is divided into three main programs: agricultural product discounts at retailers, Nonghal gift certificates, and a special seafood promotion.
| Discount method | Discount details | Promotion period |
|---|---|---|
| Large and medium-sized supermarkets | Up to 40% off Kimjang ingredients | October 29–December 2 |
| Nonghal gift certificates | 20% discount when purchasing certificates | November 9–15 for general consumers |
| Special seafood promotion | Up to 50% off eligible seafood | October 28–November 29 |
The total government support for this program amounts to KRW 64 billion. KRW 44 billion has been allocated to agricultural product discounts, and KRW 20 billion to seafood discounts.
The key difference is how each discount works. Supermarket discounts apply when customers purchase eligible products at participating retailers. Nonghal gift certificates, by contrast, are purchased at a reduced price and then used for eligible purchases. Seafood discounts require shoppers to check participating businesses and eligible products under the separate special promotion.
Nonghal Gift Certificates Are Available from November 9 to 15
The purchase period for general consumers runs from Monday, November 9, 2026, through Sunday, November 15, 2026. The certificates are sold at 20% below their face value, with a reported maximum discount limit of KRW 100,000 per person.
Older consumers receive an earlier purchase window than the general public.
Purchase period for older consumers: November 2–8
Purchase period for all consumers: November 9–15
Discount rate: 20%
Discount limit: Up to KRW 100,000
Total issuance: KRW 20 billion
Nonghal gift certificates can be used at traditional markets and other designated locations in South Korea. Because their redemption process differs from agricultural discounts offered directly at supermarkets, shoppers should check which markets and participating merchants accept the certificates before purchasing them.
It is particularly important not to confuse the KRW 100,000 figure with the face value of the certificates. At a 20% discount, a certificate purchase with a face value of KRW 500,000 would produce a discount of KRW 100,000. However, the actual face value each individual can purchase, as well as the remaining issuance and sales allocation, must be confirmed through the separate sales announcements.
Which Kimjang Ingredients Qualify for Discounts?
Eligible agricultural products include not only napa cabbage and Korean radishes but also major seasonings used to prepare kimchi. The government has identified napa cabbage, radishes, red pepper powder, garlic, green onions, scallions, onions, ginger, mustard greens, and pears among the eligible products. Pork used for boiled pork served with kimchi is also included.
Large and medium-sized supermarkets are offering discounts of up to 40%, but the same discount rate does not apply to every product. Actual discounted prices depend on the participating retailer and the promotion conditions for each item.
Customers who want to use Nonghal gift certificates should check designated redemption locations, including traditional markets. Since supermarket discounts and gift certificate purchases follow different processes, deciding where to shop first can make it easier to choose the most suitable option.
Salted Shrimp, Oysters, and Sea Salt Qualify for Discounts of Up to 50%
Seafood is covered by a separate promotion rather than the agricultural product discount program. The Korea Seafood Grand Festival's Kimjang Special Promotion runs from October 28 to November 29, with a total budget of KRW 20 billion.
The main eligible products include:
Sun-dried sea salt
Salted shrimp
Anchovy fish sauce
Oysters
Popular seafood products such as mackerel, squid, and hairtail
A total of 56 businesses are participating, including 24 offline retailers nationwide and 32 online retailers.
The seafood discount combines 20% government support with additional discounts offered by participating businesses, bringing the maximum discount to 50%. The government-funded portion covers 20% of the purchase amount, up to KRW 10,000 per person.
Because promotion periods and eligible products may differ between participating businesses, shoppers should check the official Korea Seafood Grand Festival website before making a purchase.
Does the Maximum 50% Discount Apply to All Kimjang Ingredients?
No. The 50% figure represents the maximum advertised discount across the agricultural and seafood support programs. It is not a universal discount rate for every Kimjang ingredient.
For example, napa cabbage and Korean radishes qualify for agricultural discounts of up to 40%, while salted shrimp and oysters qualify for discounts of up to 50% under the separate seafood promotion.
Nonghal gift certificates work differently again. They are purchased at a 20% discount, so this should not be directly compared with the percentage discounts displayed at supermarkets.
For practical shopping, distinguish between the following categories:
Napa cabbage, Korean radishes, red pepper powder, and garlic: Check agricultural discounts at participating supermarkets.
Salted shrimp, anchovy fish sauce, oysters, and sea salt: Check participating businesses in the seafood promotion.
Traditional market shopping: Check whether the merchant accepts Nonghal gift certificates.
Rather than choosing a retailer simply because it advertises a higher discount rate, compare the actual selling prices and the final amounts payable after discounts are applied.
What to Check Before Shopping for Kimjang Ingredients
Consumers planning to shop from November 9 should prepare by distinguishing the Nonghal gift certificate purchase schedule from the discount events available directly at participating retailers.
1. Check discounted prices for napa cabbage and Korean radishes at participating supermarkets first.
2. Confirm whether seasonings such as red pepper powder and garlic are also included in the promotion.
3. If shopping at a traditional market, check whether the merchant accepts Nonghal gift certificates.
4. Check which salted shrimp and oyster products are discounted by businesses participating in the seafood promotion.
5. For gift certificates, check not only the sales period but also individual purchase limits and the remaining issuance allocation.
In particular, the maximum KRW 100,000 figure for Nonghal gift certificates is the discount limit stated in the official announcement. A straightforward calculation using the 20% discount rate means that a certificate purchase with a face value of KRW 500,000 corresponds to a KRW 100,000 discount. This is a calculated amount; actual purchase eligibility and individual sales conditions must be confirmed through the separate sales guidance.
Some of this year's Kimjang discount promotions continue through December, but the gift certificate purchase period is much shorter, ending on November 15. Consumers planning to use the certificates should make sure they do not miss the general purchase window.
