SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea is experiencing unprecedented surges in the cost of fresh produce as extreme heatwaves disrupt agricultural output and diminish vegetable supplies. Data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. revealed that on Aug. 7, spinach reached 1,978 won per 100 grams, representing an increase of 152.3% compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers sold for 8,313 won, up by 54.8%, blue lettuce saw a 41.7% rise, and zucchini prices climbed 46.6% to 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs indicated that prolonged periods of elevated temperatures have significantly reduced supplies of heat-sensitive crops. Vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are especially vulnerable during extended heat spells. This summer has also seen record-breaking weather events, with Yangsan reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2, marking South Korea’s highest temperature since nationwide observations began in 1904.
The heat has also inflicted severe losses on livestock farms. As of Aug. 7, South Korea recorded 901,602 animal deaths, with chickens and ducks accounting for roughly 95% of this total. These losses are approximately 55% of the figures reported during the same period last year. Despite these challenges, broiler chicken retail prices remained relatively stable, at 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, which is below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Extreme Weather Conditions Affect Farms and Marine Life
Aquaculture sectors have also reported significant fatalities due to rising sea temperatures. Fish farms recorded 864,497 mortalities through Aug. 7, adding strain to the domestic seafood market. At auction, flounder prices ranged around 22,300 won per kilogram from July 27 to Aug. 1, increasing by 2.29% from the previous week and 13.2% year-over-year. The country’s coastal regions experienced high-temperature warnings covering 17 areas.
In response, authorities implemented measures to stabilize supplies and curb prices across various food categories. These included boosting imports of broiler chickens and providing retail discounts on fish. Support programs for farms included shade systems, misting setups, and enhanced ventilation to help mitigate extreme heat effects. From Aug. 7, the government bolstered the agricultural disaster response system and introduced a dedicated period for managing heat and drought-related damages across farming and aquaculture zones.
Vegetable Price Spike Follows July’s Slight Drop in Inflation
The recent surge in food prices comes after South Korea experienced slower consumer inflation in July. The national consumer price index was recorded at 119.77, with 2020 set at 100. Prices decreased by 0.2% from June but increased by 2.8% compared to July 2025. Although annual inflation was at 3.2% in June, the sharp increases in vegetables reported on Aug. 7 happened after the period covered by the July inflation figures.
Fresh produce remains among the most visibly impacted food groups during this heatwave. Spinach experienced the largest monthly jump among widely tracked items, with cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also seeing notable price gains. Livestock and aquaculture farms have reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses during this same timeframe. Retail chicken prices, however, have stayed below recent peaks as authorities continue to implement import, discount, and farm-support measures aimed at ensuring food availability during South Korea’s extreme summer conditions.