Seoul, South Korea – The price of dried laver, a staple in Korean cuisine, has surged dramatically in the past year, putting a strain on consumers' wallets. According to data released by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, the average retail price of dried laver has increased by nearly 50% compared to the same period last year.

The price hike can be attributed to a combination of factors, including soaring global demand for Korean kimchi, which features dried laver as a key ingredient. As a result, domestic supply has dwindled, pushing prices upward. Despite government interventions aimed at stabilizing prices, including discount programs, dried laver prices continue to climb.

The rising cost of dried laver is not an isolated incident. Prices of other seafood products, such as mackerel, have also experienced significant increases, contributing to a broader upward trend in seafood prices. According to the Korea National Statistical Office, seafood prices rose by 3.1% in December, outpacing the overall consumer price index increase of 1.9%.

While the price of dried laver is expected to stabilize in the coming months as new harvests come in, consumers are likely to continue feeling the pinch in the short term.