SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – The cost of fresh vegetables in South Korea has experienced a significant increase as prolonged extreme temperatures have limited shipments and caused damage to farm yields nationwide. Data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. indicated that spinach was priced at 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, representing a rise of 152.3% compared to the previous month. Ten cucumbers were sold for 8,313 won, which is a 54.8% rise. Blue lettuce prices climbed by 41.7%, while zucchini reached 1,504 won, showing a 46.6% increase.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs attributed these price hikes to persistent high temperatures that have impacted heat-sensitive vegetables. Crops like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini tend to thrive in cooler environments, but extreme heat can slow their growth and diminish the amount available for sale. South Korea has faced extraordinary heat levels during this heat wave, with Yangsan in the southeast reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2, marking the highest temperature recorded nationwide since weather observations started in 1904.
The intense heat has also severely affected livestock farms, leading to the death of 901,602 animals by Aug. 7. Poultry—such as chickens and ducks—accounted for about 95% of these fatalities. Officials reported that the number of livestock deaths was approximately 55% of what was recorded during the same period last year. The retail price of broiler chicken dropped below 6,000 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, settling at 5,925 won, which is the first time since February that prices have fallen below that threshold.
Damage to Farms and Fisheries Due to Heat
Rising water temperatures have posed additional challenges for South Korea’s food industry. By Aug. 7, aquaculture farms had reported 864,497 fish deaths as coastal waters warmed. The average auction price for one kilogram of flounder reached 22,300 won between July 27 and Aug. 1, representing a weekly increase of 2.29% and a year-over-year increase of 13.2%. The warning of high-temperature conditions in coastal waters expanded to 17 areas by Aug. 7.
To stabilize the supply of food items affected by the heat wave, authorities have implemented various measures. The government has increased imports of broiler chickens and promoted discounts on fish at major retail outlets. Support measures for agriculture include the provision of misting equipment, shade materials, and ventilation systems for farms enduring extreme conditions. Additionally, the government has enhanced the agricultural disaster response framework from Aug. 7 and established a special management period to address heat and drought-related damages across farming regions.
Fresh Food Price Surge Contrasts July’s Eased Inflation
The recent rise in vegetable prices occurs amid a broader inflation trend that had shown signs of slowing in July. South Korea’s consumer price index was recorded at 119.77, based on a 2020 benchmark of 100. Consumer prices decreased by 0.2% from June but increased by 2.8% compared to July 2025. The inflation rate for July slowed from 3.2% in June. The recent snapshot of retail vegetable prices, taken on Aug. 7, reflects conditions after the July consumer inflation report period.
These increases in food prices underscore the immediate economic impact of South Korea’s record-breaking heat on fresh produce and aquaculture sectors. Among widely monitored vegetables, spinach experienced the largest monthly increase, with cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also seeing substantial price hikes. Livestock and fish farms have reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses, although chicken retail prices stayed below recent peaks. Government measures to ensure supply, combined with retail discounts and emergency agricultural programs, are being actively implemented as the ongoing extreme summer conditions continue to influence food production across the country.