SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea is witnessing a dramatic surge in fresh produce costs as unprecedented heatwaves hamper agricultural output and diminish vegetable supplies. Data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. indicate that spinach reached 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, representing an increase of 152.3% compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers cost 8,313 won, up 54.8%, with blue lettuce climbing 41.7% and zucchini rising 46.6% to 1,504 won.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, prolonged periods of intense heat have led to decreased availability of heat-sensitive crops. Spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are particularly susceptible when high temperatures persist over extended durations. This summer has also seen the country record new weather extremes, with Yangsan reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2, marking South Korea’s highest temperature since records began in 1904.
The heatwave has also inflicted significant livestock losses. By Aug. 7, South Korea had reported 901,602 animal deaths, with chickens and ducks accounting for about 95% of the total. These losses are approximately 55% of the figures reported at the same point last year. Despite these challenges, broiler chicken prices 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.
Severe Temperatures Impact Farms and Marine Resources
Producers in aquaculture have also suffered substantial setbacks as coastal waters warmed. Fish farms recorded 864,497 fatalities through Aug. 7, adding strain to the domestic seafood sector. At auction, flounder averaged 22,300 won per kilogram from July 27 to Aug. 1, reflecting a 2.29% increase from the previous week and a 13.2% rise from the same period last year. Meanwhile, high-temperature alerts covered 17 coastal regions.
In response, the government has implemented measures to stabilize food supplies and prices across various categories. These include increased imports of broiler chickens and expanded retail discounts on fish. Support has also been provided to farms for shade structures, misting systems, and ventilation to mitigate the effects of extreme heat. Starting Aug. 7, officials reinforced the agricultural disaster response system and introduced a special management period addressing heat and drought, as weather-related damages spread throughout farming and aquaculture zones.
Post-July Inflation Slowed by Surge in Fresh Food Costs
The recent rise in food prices comes after South Korea experienced a slowdown in consumer inflation during July. The national consumer price index reached 119.77, with 2020 set as the baseline at 100. Prices dipped by 0.2% from June but increased by 2.8% compared to July 2025. In June, inflation stood at 3.2%, but the sharp increases seen in vegetables on Aug. 7 occurred after the July inflation data period.
Vegetables continue to be among the most affected food groups during this heatwave. Spinach experienced the largest monthly jump among commonly tracked products, while cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also saw notable gains. Meanwhile, livestock and aquaculture farms reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses within the same timeframe. Despite these pressures, retail chicken prices have remained below recent highs, thanks to ongoing import, discount, and farm-support initiatives aimed at ensuring food security amid South Korea’s extreme summer conditions.