Why Several Japanese Tourists Are Buying Bulk Rice In Korea

South Korea has lengthy been a magnet for travellers drawn by its dynamic tradition, meals, and Okay-pop phenomenon. Nonetheless, a brand new and sudden development is rising, with Japanese vacationers flying in to buy rice in bulk. The explanation? A big worth surge of rice in Japan, a every day meals merchandise in each family, stories The Korea Times.

As per stories, 10 kilograms of rice prices roughly 8,000 yen (Rs 4,700) in Japan, whereas an identical quantity is on the market in Korea for almost a 3rd, at round 3,000 yen (Rs 1,700). This worth distinction has led to a noticeable rise in Japanese consumers stocking up on rice in Seoul supermarkets, in keeping with retail officers.

The development gained consideration after a Japanese vacationer shared her story on the social media platform X (previously Twitter).

This rising development was highlighted in a viral put up on X (previously Twitter) by a Japanese vacationer who bought 4 kg of white rice and 5 kg of brown rice to take dwelling after her latest layover in Seoul.

Vacationers Go Via Quarantine Course of To Purchase Rice

“My mission in Seoul was to purchase rice, as costs in Japan have turn into too excessive,” she wrote, noting that carrying the baggage felt like a full exercise.

As a result of rice is a regulated agricultural product, she needed to undergo a quarantine process at Incheon Worldwide Airport. After submitting the required paperwork and confirming her Japanese deal with, she acquired a plant export certificates in about half-hour.

Why Is Rice Getting Costly In Japan

Japan’s rice worth surge started in the summertime of 2023 on account of excessive climate affecting harvests, rising demand from vacationers, and panic shopping for following latest earthquakes. Regardless of efforts by the Japanese authorities to stabilize provide by releasing rice from reserves, shortages persist, particularly in city centres.

In response to the rising demand, South Korea is making ready to export 22 tons of rice to Japan, marking the most important cargo since 1990.