SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – The cost of fresh vegetables in South Korea has climbed sharply due to prolonged extreme heat conditions that have hampered shipments and damaged agricultural production nationwide. According to data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp., spinach reached 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, marking a 152.3% increase from the previous month. The price for ten cucumbers rose to 8,313 won, a jump of 54.8%. Blue lettuce saw a 41.7% rise, while zucchinis increased by 46.6%, priced at 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs attributed these price hikes to sustained high temperatures impacting heat-sensitive vegetables. While crops like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini tend to thrive in cooler weather, extreme heat can inhibit growth and diminish harvest quality. South Korea has experienced extraordinary temperatures amid the ongoing heat wave, with Yangsan in the southeast reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2—the highest temperature recorded nationally since weather observations began in 1904.
Livestock farms have also suffered under the intense heat, with 901,602 animal deaths recorded through Aug. 7. Poultry—comprising chickens and ducks—accounted for approximately 95% of these fatalities. Officials indicated that these livestock losses are roughly 55% of the figures reported during the same period last year. Meanwhile, the retail price for broiler chicken was 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, falling below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Heat-related damages extend to farms and fisheries
Rising water temperatures have added additional pressure to South Korea’s food sector. Coastal aquaculture farms reported 864,497 fish deaths through Aug. 7 as waters warmed. The average auction price for one kilogram of flounder reached 22,300 won between July 27 and Aug. 1, representing a 2.29% weekly increase and a 13.2% rise from the same period last year. As of Aug. 7, high-temperature warnings for coastal waters had expanded to 17 regions.
In response, authorities have introduced measures to stabilize food supplies impacted by the heat wave. The government has boosted imports of broiler chickens and promoted discount sales of fish at major retail outlets. Support initiatives for agriculture include the deployment of misting systems, shade covers, and ventilation solutions for farms struggling with extreme temperatures. Additionally, officials reinforced the agricultural disaster response framework from Aug. 7 and designated a special management period to address the ongoing heat and drought-related damages across farming areas.
Fresh-food price surge contrasts with July inflation slowdown
The recent sharp increase in vegetable prices stands in contrast to the broader inflation trend that had eased in July. South Korea’s consumer price index reached 119.77, using 2020 as the base year of 100. Consumer prices declined by 0.2% from June but grew by 2.8% compared to July 2025. The inflation rate in July slowed from 3.2% in June. The latest retail price data for vegetables, dated Aug. 7, reflects figures after the period covered by the July consumer inflation report.
The surge in food prices underscores the immediate economic impact of South Korea’s record-breaking heat on fresh produce and aquaculture. Spinach experienced the largest monthly increase among widely monitored vegetables, with cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also seeing significant price hikes. Livestock and fish farms reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses, though chicken retail prices remained below recent peaks. In tandem with government supply initiatives and retail discounts, emergency agricultural programs are active as extreme summer conditions continue to disrupt food production.