SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea is experiencing a notable surge in fresh produce prices due to extreme heat disrupting agricultural activities and diminishing vegetable supplies. According to Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. data, spinach reached 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, representing a 152.3% increase compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers were priced at 8,313 won, up 54.8%, with blue lettuce increasing by 41.7% and zucchini climbing 46.6% to 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reported that prolonged periods of high temperatures have significantly reduced the availability of heat-sensitive crops. Vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are particularly at risk when temperatures remain elevated over extended durations. This summer has also seen unprecedented temperature records nationwide, with Yangsan hitting 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2, marking South Korea’s highest temperature since the start of nationwide measurements in 1904.
Livestock farms have also sustained substantial losses due to the heat. By Aug. 7, South Korea documented 901,602 animal deaths, predominantly chickens and ducks, which account for about 95% of the total. These losses are roughly 55% of the figures reported during the same timeframe last year. Despite this, the retail price of broiler chickens remained relatively steady at 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, remaining below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Extreme heat impacts farms and marine populations
The aquaculture sector has also faced significant setbacks as coastal waters warm. Fish farms recorded 864,497 mortalities through Aug. 7, adding to the pressure on the domestic seafood industry. At auction, flounder prices averaged 22,300 won per kilogram between July 27 and Aug. 1, reflecting a 2.29% rise from the previous week and a 13.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, warnings about high temperatures covered 17 coastal areas, further threatening fish stocks.
In response, government agencies have launched measures to stabilize supply and prices across various food sectors. These include increasing broiler chicken imports and offering more retail discounts on fish. Support has also been extended to farms through shade equipment, misting systems, and ventilation devices used during extreme heat waves. From Aug. 7, officials enhanced the agricultural disaster response system and instituted a special management period for heat and drought, as weather-related damage extended across farming and aquaculture zones.
Vegetable prices spike following a quieter July inflation period
The recent jump in food prices comes after South Korea experienced a slowdown in consumer inflation during July. The national consumer price index was recorded at 119.77, with the 2020 baseline set at 100. Prices fell by 0.2% from June but increased by 2.8% compared to July 2025. While inflation was at 3.2% in June, the sharp rises in vegetable prices reported on Aug. 7 occurred after the July inflation data had been compiled.
Fresh produce remains one of the most visibly affected food categories amid the heatwave. Spinach experienced the largest monthly increase among widely monitored products, with cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also seeing considerable gains. Meanwhile, livestock and aquaculture farms faced hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses during this period. Retail chicken prices stayed below recent highs, as authorities continued to implement import, discount, and farm-support initiatives to ensure food supply stability during South Korea’s intense summer heat.