SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea is experiencing significant upward pressure on fresh produce costs as unprecedented heatwaves impact agricultural output and diminish vegetable availability. Data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. revealed that on August 7, spinach prices soared to 1,978 won per 100 grams, marking an increase of 152.3% compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers were priced at 8,313 won, up 54.8%. Blue lettuce experienced a 41.7% rise, and zucchini climbed 46.6% to reach 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs explained that sustained high temperatures have led to decreased supplies of crops sensitive to heat. Vegetables such as spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are especially vulnerable when the heat persists over long periods. This summer has also seen record-breaking temperatures nationwide, with Yangsan reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2, setting a new record for South Korea’s highest temperature since the start of nationwide measurements in 1904.
The heatwave has also inflicted severe losses on livestock farms. As of Aug. 7, South Korea recorded 901,602 animal deaths, with chickens and ducks constituting approximately 95% of these fatalities. The total losses are roughly 55% of those reported during the same timeframe last year. Despite these challenges, broiler chicken prices have remained relatively stable, with retail prices at 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, falling below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Severe Heatwave Affects Fisheries and Aquaculture Production
Producers in the aquaculture sector have also suffered extensive losses as coastal waters warmed. Fish farms documented 864,497 deaths through Aug. 7, further straining the domestic seafood market. Auction prices for flounder averaged 22,300 won per kilogram between July 27 and Aug. 1. This represented a 2.29% increase from the prior week and a 13.2% rise compared to the same period last year, with high-temperature warnings issued across 17 coastal regions.
In response, government officials have implemented measures to stabilize food supply and prices, including increased imports of broiler chickens and expanded retail discounts for seafood. Support has also been provided to farms in the form of shade structures, misting systems, and ventilation devices to help mitigate extreme heat effects. Starting Aug. 7, authorities strengthened the agricultural disaster response system and established a special management period to address the ongoing heat and drought conditions impacting farming and aquaculture sectors.
Vegetable Prices Surge After a Cooler July
The recent rise in food prices comes on the heels of a slower inflation rate reported in South Korea for July. The consumer price index stood at 119.77, with 2020 as the base year set at 100. Prices fell by 0.2% compared to June but increased by 2.8% from July 2025. While inflation was 3.2% in June, the sharp vegetable price hikes observed on Aug. 7 occurred after the period reflected in the July inflation figures.
Among the most visibly affected food categories, fresh vegetables saw the largest monthly increases. Spinach experienced the most significant jump among widely tracked items, with cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also showing notable gains. Livestock and aquaculture farms faced hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses during this period. Meanwhile, retail chicken prices remained below recent peaks due to ongoing government measures such as increased imports, discounts, and farm support programs aimed at maintaining food security amid South Korea’s extreme summer conditions.
}**{