SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea is experiencing a surge in fresh produce prices as unprecedented heatwaves impact agricultural output and reduce vegetable availability. According to data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp., spinach hit 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, representing an increase of 152.3% compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers sold for 8,313 won, up by 54.8%. Blue lettuce prices rose by 41.7%, and zucchini climbed 46.6% to 1,504 won.
Prolonged periods of high temperatures have been attributed to diminished supplies of heat-sensitive crops, as stated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Crops such as spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are particularly susceptible when elevated temperatures persist over extended durations. This summer has also seen record-breaking weather; Yangsan reached 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2, marking South Korea’s highest temperature since the start of nationwide observation in 1904.
The livestock sector has also suffered significant losses due to the heat. As of Aug. 7, South Korea recorded 901,602 animal fatalities, with chickens and ducks comprising approximately 95% of that total. These losses are roughly 55% of what was reported during the same timeframe last year. Despite this, retail prices for broiler chickens have remained relatively stable, at 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, falling below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Extreme Heatwaves Impact Farming and Marine Life
Aquaculture producers have also experienced considerable losses as coastal waters warmed. A total of 864,497 fish deaths were recorded across fish farms by Aug. 7, adding strain to the local seafood industry. During the period from July 27 to Aug. 1, flounder fetched an average auction price of 22,300 won per kilogram. This marked a 2.29% increase from the previous week and a 13.2% rise compared to the same period last year, with 17 coastal areas under high-temperature warnings.
In response, the government has implemented measures to stabilize food supply and prices across various categories. These include increased imports of broiler chickens and expanded retail discounts for fish. Support has also been extended to farms through shade equipment, misting systems, and ventilation solutions to mitigate the effects of extreme heat. From Aug. 7 onward, officials enhanced the agricultural disaster response system and introduced a special management period focused on heat and drought issues, as weather-related damage spreads across farming and aquaculture regions.
Food Price Surge Follows a Slower July Inflation Rate
This recent rise in food prices follows a period of slower inflation in South Korea during July. The inflation rate for July was subdued, with the national consumer price index at 119.77, based on a 2020 reference level of 100. Prices fell by 0.2% compared to June but increased by 2.8% from July 2025. Despite this, the sharp vegetable price hikes reported on Aug. 7 occurred after the data period used for the July inflation figures. In June, inflation had peaked at 3.2% annually.
Vegetables remain among the most visibly affected food groups during the heatwave, with spinach recording the largest monthly increase among widely tracked items. Cucumber, lettuce, and zucchini also saw notable price jumps. Meanwhile, livestock and aquaculture farms experienced hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses. Retail chicken prices have stayed below recent highs thanks to ongoing import, discount, and farm-support measures aimed at ensuring food security amid South Korea’s extreme summer heat.