Seoul: The government announced Friday its plan to release a record 172,000 tons of major food items, including premium Korean beef known as "hanwoo," to help stabilize living costs ahead of the Chuseok holiday next month.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the measure, which was finalized at a ministerial meeting earlier this week, was reviewed during a meeting chaired by First Vice Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il. Chuseok, one of South Korea's biggest traditional holidays, falls on October 3 this year, prompting the government to take action to ease financial pressures on households during the festive season.

The plan includes providing 3 tons of hanwoo this month, nearly double the average supply of 1.6 tons, alongside offering discounts of up to 50 percent on popular Chuseok gift sets. Additionally, the supply of pork will be expanded to 6.5 tons, which is 1.3 times the usual volume, to accommodate the peak Chuseok shopping season.

The ministry also stated that egg distribution and discount support will be increased to help alleviate the burden on household budgets, ensuring that families can enjoy the holiday without facing financial strain.