Nonghyup's Supply Stabilization Measures Succeed, Onion Prices Recover 79% in Two Months

South Korea's onion prices are showing a strong recovery, with wholesale prices jumping 79% in just two months. The average wholesale price for top-grade onions at the Garak Market rose from 570 won per kilogram in May to 1,022 won by July 8, according to Nonghyup, the agricultural cooperative.

This turnaround follows a period of significant price pressure for onion farmers, who were contending with both increased yields and a larger-than-usual inventory of onions stored from the previous season. The 2025 crop inventory alone reached 95,000 tons, considerably higher than the average of 81,000 tons typically stored.

Nonghyup, in collaboration with the government and local authorities, implemented a series of measures to stabilize the market. These included coordinating the market release and shipment of early-season onions and initiating a 88.2 billion won price recovery plan when mid-season onions began their main harvest in June. The cooperative also provided interest-free funds for purchasing onions at the production site, supported sorting and packaging, and increased shipments through its own wholesale markets. Efforts to expand overseas sales, including export logistics support and compensation for losses, also contributed to boosting exports to markets like Taiwan.

“

The wholesale price of top-grade onions at Garak Market rose from an average of 570 won per kilogram in May to 1,022 won as of July 8.