SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – The prices of fresh vegetables in South Korea have experienced a substantial jump, driven by ongoing extreme heat that has curtailed shipments and damaged farm production nationwide. According to data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp., spinach reached 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, reflecting an increase of 152.3% compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers cost 8,313 won, which is a 54.8% rise. Blue lettuce saw a 41.7% increase, and zucchini prices climbed 46.6% to 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs attributed these price hikes to persistent high temperatures impacting heat-sensitive vegetables. Crops like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini tend to thrive in cooler climates, but extreme heat can slow their growth and diminish harvest yields. South Korea has faced unprecedented temperatures during this heat wave, with Yangsan in the southeastern part of the country reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2—the highest temperature recorded nationally since weather data collection began in 1904.
The intense heat has also caused significant losses in livestock farms, with a total of 901,602 animal deaths reported through Aug. 7. Poultry, including chickens and ducks, accounted for approximately 95% of these fatalities. Officials have noted that these livestock deaths are about 55% of the figures recorded during the same period last year. On Aug. 7, the retail price of broiler chicken was 5,925 won per kilogram, dipping below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Heat-Related Damage Extends to Farms and Fisheries
Rising water temperatures have added further stress to South Korea’s food industry. As of Aug. 7, aquaculture farms had documented 864,497 fish deaths due to warming coastal waters. The average auction price for one kilogram of flounder hit 22,300 won between July 27 and Aug. 1, representing a 2.29% weekly increase and a 13.2% rise compared to the same period last year. By Aug. 7, warnings for high water temperatures had expanded to 17 coastal areas.
The government has implemented several measures to stabilize food supplies affected by the heat wave. These include increasing broiler chicken imports and promoting discounts for fish at major retail outlets. Support initiatives for farmers feature misting equipment, shade coverings, and ventilation systems designed to mitigate extreme temperatures. Additionally, authorities have bolstered the agricultural disaster response framework from Aug. 7 and designated a special management period to address the ongoing heat and drought challenges across farming regions.
Vegetable Price Surges Contrast with July Inflation Figures
These recent increases in vegetable prices occur amidst a broader inflation trend that had shown signs of easing in July. South Korea’s consumer price index stood at 119.77, using a 2020 baseline of 100. Consumer prices declined by 0.2% from June but rose 2.8% compared to July 2025. The inflation rate for July slowed from 3.2% in June. The latest data on retail vegetable prices, dated Aug. 7, reflects conditions after the period covered by the July consumer inflation report.
The spike in food prices highlights the immediate economic impact of South Korea’s record-breaking heat on fresh produce and aquaculture. Spinach experienced the largest monthly increase among the widely monitored vegetables, while cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also became notably more expensive. Livestock and fish farms reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses, although chicken retail prices stayed below recent levels. Government measures to ensure supply and retail discounts are in place alongside emergency agricultural programs, as extreme summer conditions continue to affect food production.