Kim, a 51-year-old florist based in central Seoul, has seen a significant drop in customers in recent weeks, receiving only three to four bouquet orders despite this period typically being one of the busiest times of the year.
"The peak season effect of the graduation period has become a thing of the past," she said, recalling when she used to have a steady stream of customers looking to buy flowers every February. However, this year, flower purchases appear to have declined as prices increased amid the economic downturn, she said.
"I had many visitors who came and asked for the price of a bouquet but left without buying anything because they found it too expensive. Nowadays, only a few regular customers come to buy flowers," Kim said.
February has arrived, bringing a string of graduation ceremonies from elementary schools to universities across the country. However, consumers' wallets remain firmly closed due to high flower prices and the ongoing economic recession.
Read more at The Korea Times