SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea is witnessing a significant surge in fresh produce prices as unprecedented heatwaves affect agriculture 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 is 152.3% higher than a month earlier. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers sold for 8,313 won, reflecting a 54.8% increase. Blue lettuce rose by 41.7%, and zucchini prices climbed 46.6% to 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs indicated that prolonged high temperatures have led to decreased supplies of heat-sensitive crops. Vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are especially vulnerable during extended periods of elevated temperatures. This summer has also set new national temperature records, with Yangsan hitting 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2 — the hottest temperature recorded across South Korea since nationwide measurements started in 1904.
The intense heat has also inflicted heavy losses on livestock farms. As of Aug. 7, South Korea reported 901,602 animal deaths, with chickens and ducks making up approximately 95% of the total. These losses are roughly 55% of what was reported during the same period last year. Despite the losses, retail chicken prices remained relatively steady at 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, staying below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Severe Temperatures Impact Agriculture and Fish Stocks
Aquaculture sectors have also suffered significant setbacks due to warming coastal waters. Fish farms reported 864,497 fish deaths through Aug. 7, intensifying challenges within the domestic seafood market. During the period from July 27 to Aug. 1, flounder prices averaged 22,300 won per kilogram at auction, a 2.29% weekly increase and a 13.2% rise compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, 17 coastal areas were under high-temperature warnings.
In response, the government has implemented measures to stabilize supply and control prices across various food sectors. These include increasing imports of broiler chickens, expanding retail discounts for fish, and providing farms with shade equipment, misting systems, and ventilation solutions suitable for extreme heat conditions. Additionally, authorities enhanced the agricultural disaster response system from Aug. 7 and launched a special management period to address the ongoing heat and drought, which are causing widespread damage in farming and aquaculture regions.
Vegetable Prices Spike After a Slower July Inflation Rate
The recent rise in food prices comes after South Korea experienced a deceleration in consumer inflation during July. The country’s consumer price index stood at 119.77, with 2020 set as the base level of 100. Prices declined by 0.2% from June but increased by 2.8% compared to July 2025. While inflation was 3.2% in June, the sharp vegetable price hikes reported on Aug. 7 occurred after the July inflation data was compiled.
Among the most visibly affected food categories by the heat wave are fresh vegetables, with spinach showing the largest monthly increase among widely tracked items. Cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also experienced notable price jumps. Livestock and aquaculture farms have faced hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses during this period. Retail chicken prices remained below recent peaks as the government continued to implement import, discount, and farm-support measures to safeguard food supplies amid South Korea’s extreme summer temperatures.