SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea is experiencing significant surges in the cost of fresh produce as unprecedented heat waves impact farming and vegetable availability. According to data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp., spinach reached 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, representing a 152.3% increase compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers sold for 8,313 won, a rise of 54.8%, blue lettuce increased by 41.7%, and zucchini climbed 46.6% to 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs explained that sustained high temperatures have led to diminished supplies of heat-sensitive crops. Vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are especially vulnerable when temperatures remain elevated for long durations. This summer has also seen record-breaking weather across the nation. On Aug. 2, Yangsan recorded a temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius, marking South Korea’s highest temperature since nationwide observations started in 1904.
The heat has also inflicted heavy losses on livestock farms. As of Aug. 7, South Korea had reported 901,602 animal deaths, with chickens and ducks accounting for roughly 95% of the total. These losses are approximately 55% of those reported during the same period last year. Despite the overall impact, 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.
Extreme Heatwaves Affect Agriculture and Fish Stocks
Aquaculture has also suffered substantial setbacks due to warming coastal waters. Fish farms have reported 864,497 deaths through Aug. 7, adding strain to the domestic seafood market. Auction prices for flounder between July 27 and Aug. 1 averaged 22,300 won per kilogram, showing a 2.29% increase from the previous week and a 13.2% rise compared to last year. High-temperature alerts covered 17 coastal regions, highlighting the severity of the heatwave.
In response, the government has implemented measures to support supply and stabilize prices across various food sectors. These include increased imports of broiler chickens, expanded retail discounts for fish, and assistance to farms for shade structures, misting systems, and ventilation to combat extreme heat. Additionally, authorities strengthened the agricultural disaster management system from Aug. 7 and introduced a dedicated heat and drought management period as weather-related damages spread throughout farming and aquaculture areas.
July’s Slower Inflation Gives Way to Rapid Food Price Hikes
The recent surge in food prices follows a period of slower inflation in South Korea during July. The country’s consumer inflation rate stood at 119.77, with the 2020 baseline set at 100. Prices declined by 0.2% from June but increased by 2.8% compared to July 2025. While inflation was at 3.2% in June, the notable vegetable price hikes reported on Aug. 7 occurred after the July data was compiled.
Vegetables continue to be among the most visibly impacted food categories amid the heatwave. Spinach experienced the largest monthly increase among widely monitored products, with cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also seeing considerable gains. Livestock and fishery operations reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses during this period. Meanwhile, retail chicken prices have remained below recent peaks as authorities maintain import, discount, and farm-support policies to ensure food supplies during South Korea’s extreme summer conditions.