SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea is experiencing notable surges in fresh produce costs as unprecedented heatwaves disrupt agricultural activity and diminish vegetable availability. According to data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp., spinach reached 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, which represented a 152.3% increase compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers sold for 8,313 won, reflecting a 54.8% rise, while blue lettuce grew 41.7% and zucchini increased by 46.6% to 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs indicated that extended periods of high temperatures have led to a reduction in supplies of heat-sensitive crops. Vegetables such as spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are particularly at risk during prolonged heatwaves. Additionally, this summer has set new national temperature records; Yangsan experienced 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2, marking South Korea’s highest temperature since consistent nationwide monitoring began in 1904.
Livestock sectors have also suffered significant losses due to the extreme heat. As of Aug. 7, South Korea reported 901,602 animal fatalities, with chickens and ducks accounting for approximately 95% of these. These losses are roughly 55% of the figures recorded at the same point last year. Despite this, broiler chicken prices have remained relatively stable, with retail prices at 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7—below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Intense heat affects farms and marine life
Aquaculture operations have also faced heavy setbacks as coastal waters warmed. Fish farms recorded a total of 864,497 fish deaths through Aug. 7, adding strain to certain segments of South Korea’s seafood industry. During the period from July 27 to Aug. 1, flounder prices at auction averaged 22,300 won per kilogram, representing a 2.29% increase from the previous week and a 13.2% rise compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, high-temperature alerts extended across 17 coastal zones.
In response, the government has implemented measures to stabilize supplies and control prices across various food sectors. These include increasing broiler chicken imports, expanding retail discounts for fish, and providing support for farms with shade structures, misting systems, and ventilation to withstand extreme heat. From Aug. 7 onward, authorities bolstered the agricultural disaster response system and established a dedicated management period to address heat and drought-related damages spreading through farming and aquaculture regions.
Fresh produce prices spike after subdued July inflation figures
The recent rise in food prices follows a period of slower consumer inflation in July. The national consumer price index stood at 119.77, with 2020 as the base year set at 100. Prices dipped by 0.2% from June but increased by 2.8% compared to July 2025. While inflation was recorded at 3.2% in June, the sharp increases in vegetable prices reported on Aug. 7 occurred after the data period covered by the July inflation statistics.
Among food categories affected most visibly by the heat wave, fresh vegetables experienced the most significant monthly gains. Spinach saw the largest increase among widely tracked items, with cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also posting substantial price rises. Meanwhile, livestock and aquaculture operations documented hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses during the same timeframe. Retail chicken prices have remained below recent peaks, supported by government initiatives to maintain food supply stability amid South Korea’s extreme summer heat.