SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea is witnessing significant increases in the prices of fresh produce as extreme temperatures hinder agricultural output and deplete vegetable stocks. 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% rise from the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers cost 8,313 won, up 54.8%, blue lettuce saw a 41.7% increase, and zucchini climbed 46.6% to 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs stated that prolonged periods of high heat have led to diminished supplies of crops sensitive to temperature. Vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are especially at risk when high temperatures persist for extended durations. This summer has also set new national temperature records, with Yangsan reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2, marking the highest temperature recorded in South Korea since nationwide observations started in 1904.
Livestock farms have also suffered heavy losses due to the heat. As of Aug. 7, South Korea reported 901,602 animal deaths, with chickens and ducks accounting for approximately 95% of the total. These losses are roughly 55% of what was reported during the same period last year. Despite this, retail prices for broiler chickens remained relatively stable, standing at 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, which is below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Farms and Fish Stocks Confront Extreme Heat Effects
The warming coastal waters have also caused extensive damage to aquaculture operations. Fish farms reported 864,497 fish deaths through Aug. 7, intensifying pressure on the local seafood market. During July 27 to Aug. 1, flounder averaged 22,300 won per kilogram at auction, reflecting a 2.29% increase from the previous week and a 13.2% rise compared to last year. Meanwhile, high-temperature warnings covered 17 coastal areas.
In response, authorities introduced a series of measures to stabilize supply and prices across various food sectors. These included increasing broiler chicken imports and offering more retail discounts on fish. Support was also provided to farms for the installation of shade structures, misting systems, and ventilation to cope with the intense heat. From Aug. 7, officials enhanced the agricultural disaster response framework and launched a special management period for heat and drought as weather-related damages spread across farming and aquaculture regions.
Vegetable Price Surges Follow July’s Slower Inflation
The recent spike in food prices follows a period of slower consumer inflation in July. South Korea’s consumer price index stood at 119.77, with 2020 as the base year at 100. Prices fell by 0.2% from June but increased 2.8% compared to July 2025. While inflation was 3.2% in June, the notable vegetable price hikes reported on Aug. 7 occurred after the July inflation data was compiled.
Fresh vegetables continue to be among the most visibly impacted food categories amid the heat wave. Spinach experienced the largest monthly increase among widely tracked items, with cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also showing substantial gains. Livestock and aquaculture sectors faced hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses during this period. Retail chicken prices remained below recent levels as authorities maintained import, discount, and farm support measures aimed at ensuring food availability during South Korea’s extreme summer conditions.