◇ Murderous high oil prices and prices… The changed landscape of Chuseok preparations.
On the 19th, Realmeter, a public opinion polling agency, conducted a survey of public sentiment regarding the Chuseok holiday among 505 men and women over the age of 18 across the country (requested by the Energy Economy Newspaper). As a result, 44.1% of respondents said they were ‘not happy about it.’ revealed. Among the reasons, 54.7% cited ‘economic burden’. High oil prices and murderous prices fluctuating at 1,800 won per liter are changing the landscape ahead of Chuseok. Although the Golden Week holiday, which lasts up to 10 days, has been given, the situation is unfolding where people cannot enjoy it comfortably due to financial burden.
The changed scenery begins on the way home. Kim (36), whose hometown is Daegu, gathered people from her neighborhood to join the ‘Euro Carpool’ this Chuseok through her Internet community. This is to save even a penny on transportation costs. Mr. Kim said, “In the past, I would have gone along for the price of a coffee and just wanted to talk to them,” adding, “But this time, the price of gas is so high that I decided to carpool on the condition that the round-trip gas cost, including myself, be paid at ‘nth of the rate.’ “I did it,” he said.
Ms. Kim (35), who usually goes to her hometown by her own car, chose her train this time. She decided to give each of her parents 300,000 won as pocket money, but decided to take public transportation to reduce spending. Since it is a case of returning to Seoul from a rural area, it is relatively easy to get a train ticket, and both parents are in Seoul, so they can travel by subway. Mr. Kim said, “I am trying to reduce my household belt because I have to pay back my loan, but since the price of gasoline continues to skyrocket, I decided to take the train considering the price of gas.”
Some people make plans to set aside holiday spending from the beginning of the year. Mr. Lee (28) said, “I give 300,000 won to each of my parents, and when I take care of my grandfather’s allowance, gifts, and relatives, it is basic to spend 1 million won.” “I tend to set aside and manage my holiday spending,” he said.
◇ Even on Chuseok, the longest of six days… As it is the longest holiday in history,
many citizens are turning to travel, but even this is not possible. Mr. Kim (28), who lives in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, said, “I was thinking of going on an overseas trip to Germany and France right after the temporary public holiday (October 2nd) was designated.” “I ended up giving up because I felt like it was worth about 1 million won more,” he said. Mr. Kim added, “Flights to Europe cost about 2.5 to 3 million won, but considering the price메이저사이트 in the low to mid 1 million won during the off-season, it seems too expensive.”
Those who avoid traveling abroad and choose to travel domestically also feel the same burden. Ms. Han (33), who lives in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, decided to go on a three-day, two-night trip to Yeosu, Jeollanam-do with her family of four during this Chuseok. Ms. Han said that it was a burden to find her accommodation and rent her car. He said, “I think I found the hotel relatively cheap at 480,000 won for 2 days after searching the Internet,” and “rental car is 240,000 won for 2 days, and filling up with gas is separate, so it can’t be a burden.” “He said. He continued, “Her younger brother succeeded in getting a job this time and was happy to go on a family trip, but he didn’t seem to be that happy.”
There are times when I go shopping for a week to buy Chuseok items at a slightly cheaper price. Housewife Kwon (43) is preparing for Chuseok by going to the supermarket and traditional market. Mr. Kwon said, “Marts have different sale products for each day of the week and time zone, and some products are heavily discounted depending on the closing time.” He added, “The later the season, the cheaper the fruit, so go to the traditional market the day before Chuseok and buy it. “It is planned,” he said.
Because of this, some people are choosing not to do anything during the holiday season. Mr. Choi (35), who runs a self-employed business, said, “I went to my parents’ hometown last week. There are many reasons why I want to spend time alone, but when I meet with my family, there are costs, so I cannot ignore that.” He said.