The prices of vegetables, including radishes, has skyrocketed recently due to increasing demands ahead of the kimchi-making season, government data showed Sunday.

The season, which lasts for about two months through December, is when Koreans prepare kimchi for the winter, a major event in traditional Korean households as families prepare for the long, cold season when vegetables are scarce.

“Kimchi” is a spicy fermented side dish made from cabbage, radish and various seasonings such as garlic, chili and spring onions.

According to data released by the state-owned Korea Agro-Fisheries Trade Corporation, a head of top-grade kimchi cabbage was priced at 3,750 won ($3.4) as of Thursday, up 61.2 percent from 2,299 won a year ago. (Yonhap News)