SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – The escalation in vegetable prices in South Korea can be directly linked to the ongoing severe heatwave that has hindered shipments and damaged agricultural yields across the country. Data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. indicate that on Aug. 7, spinach was priced at 1,978 won per 100 grams, reflecting a 152.3% increase compared to the previous month. Similarly, ten cucumbers sold for 8,313 won, marking a rise of 54.8%. Blue lettuce experienced a 41.7% price hike, while zucchinis climbed 46.6% to 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs attributed these price hikes to persistent high temperatures adversely affecting heat-sensitive crops. Vegetables such as spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini thrive in cooler environments; however, extreme heat tends to slow their growth and diminish the amount that reaches the market. South Korea has endured unprecedented temperatures during this heatwave, with Yangsan in the southeast reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2 — the highest temperature recorded since weather observations began in 1904.
The intense heat has also impacted livestock farms, resulting in 901,602 animal deaths recorded as of Aug. 7. Poultry, including chickens and ducks, made up approximately 95% of these fatalities. Officials noted that these losses are about 55% of the mortality level during the same period last year. The retail price for broiler chicken was 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, falling below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Heat-induced damages extend to farms and fisheries
Rising water temperatures have added stress to South Korea’s seafood industry, with aquaculture farms recording 864,497 fish deaths through Aug. 7 as coastal waters warmed. The average auction price for a kilogram of flounder reached 22,300 won between July 27 and Aug. 1, representing a 2.29% weekly increase and a 13.2% rise compared to the same period last year. By Aug. 7, warnings for high temperatures in coastal waters had expanded to 17 areas.
In response, authorities have implemented measures to help stabilize the supply of heat-affected food products. The government increased imports of broiler chickens and promoted discounts for fish at major retail outlets. Support initiatives for agriculture include the deployment of misting systems, shade covers, and ventilation equipment for farms affected by extreme heat. Additionally, officials strengthened the agricultural disaster response framework starting Aug. 7 and designated a special management period for heat and drought, as damages intensified across farming regions.
Fresh produce prices spike contrasts July inflation slowdown
The recent sharp rise in vegetable prices occurs amidst an overall inflation trend that had shown signs of easing in July. South Korea’s consumer price index stood at 119.77, with 2020 as the base year at 100. Consumer prices decreased by 0.2% from June but increased by 2.8% from July 2025. The inflation rate for July slowed from 3.2% in June. The latest retail vegetable price figures, dated Aug. 7, reflect data collected after the July consumer inflation report period.
The surge in food prices underscores the immediate economic impact of South Korea’s record-breaking heat on both fresh produce and aquaculture. Among widely monitored vegetables, spinach experienced the largest monthly price jump, while cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also saw significant increases. Meanwhile, livestock and fish farms reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related fatalities, although retail chicken prices remained below recent highs. Government measures to ensure supply, combined with retail discounts and emergency agricultural programs, are ongoing as extreme summer conditions continue to hinder food production.