SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea is experiencing sharp rises in the cost of fresh produce as extreme heat waves disrupt agricultural output and reduce vegetable availability. According to data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp., spinach hit 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, representing a 152.3% increase from the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers cost 8,313 won, a 54.8% jump, and the prices of blue lettuce and zucchini grew by 41.7% and 46.6%, respectively, reaching 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs indicated that sustained high temperatures have severely diminished supplies of heat-sensitive crops. Vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are especially vulnerable to prolonged periods of elevated temperatures. This summer has also set national heat records, with Yangsan reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2, marking the highest temperature recorded in South Korea since nationwide observations began in 1904.
The heat has also led to significant livestock losses, with South Korea reporting 901,602 animal deaths through Aug. 7. Chickens and ducks make up approximately 95% of the total fatalities. These losses are roughly 55% of what was recorded during the same period last year. Despite the widespread impact, retail prices for broiler chickens remained relatively stable at 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, remaining below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Extreme Weather Conditions Affect Farms and Fisheries
Coastal aquaculture has also suffered heavy losses as seawater temperatures rise. Fish farms reported 864,497 deaths through Aug. 7, intensifying pressure on local seafood supplies. Between July 27 and Aug. 1, flounder averaged 22,300 won per kilogram at auction, a 2.29% increase from the previous week and a 13.2% rise compared to the same period last year. Additionally, warnings for high temperatures covered 17 coastal regions.
In response, the government has implemented measures to stabilize food prices and supply. These include increasing imports of broiler chickens, expanding discounts on fish, and supporting farms with shade equipment, misting systems, and ventilation for extreme heat conditions. From Aug. 7 onward, authorities enhanced the agricultural disaster response system and introduced a special management phase focused on heat and drought to counter the ongoing weather-related damage across farming and aquaculture sectors.
Vegetable Prices Spike After a Calm July Inflation Period
These recent price hikes follow a period of slower inflation reported in July. South Korea’s consumer inflation stood at 119.77, with 2020 serving as the base year at 100. Prices declined by 0.2% from June but increased by 2.8% compared to July 2025. While inflation in June reached 3.2%, the substantial vegetable price increases seen on Aug. 7 occurred after the July data was compiled.
Vegetables remain among the most visibly affected food categories, with spinach experiencing the largest monthly increase among commonly tracked items. Cucumber, lettuce, and zucchini also saw notable price rises. Livestock and aquaculture farms reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses during this period. Retail chicken prices, however, stayed below recent levels as the government continued to support food supply stability through import, discount, and farm-support initiatives amid South Korea’s extreme summer heat.