SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea is experiencing rapid increases in fresh produce costs as intense heat waves disrupt agricultural output and diminish vegetable supplies. According to Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. data, spinach hit 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, marking a 152.3% rise from the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers cost 8,313 won, up 54.8%, blue lettuce increased by 41.7%, and zucchini climbed 46.6% to 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs indicated that extended periods of high temperatures have led to a drop in supplies of heat-sensitive crops. Vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are especially at risk when prolonged heat persists. This summer has also seen record-breaking weather across the country, with Yangsan reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2, which is the highest temperature recorded in South Korea since nationwide observations started in 1904.
The heat has caused significant livestock losses as well, with South Korea recording 901,602 animal deaths through Aug. 7, mostly chickens and ducks, which make up about 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 chicken stayed relatively stable at 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, remaining below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Extreme heat impacts aquaculture and farms
Coastal aquaculture has also suffered major setbacks as water temperatures rise, with fish farms recording 864,497 deaths through Aug. 7, putting additional strain on the domestic seafood market. During the period from July 27 to Aug. 1, flounder averaged 22,300 won per kilogram at auction, a 2.29% increase from the previous week and a 13.2% rise from last year, amid high-temperature warnings in 17 coastal regions.
In response, the government has introduced measures to stabilize supply and prices across various food sectors. These include increased imports of broiler chickens, expanded retail discounts on seafood, and support for farms in the form of shade structures, misting systems, and ventilation during extreme heat. From Aug. 7, authorities enhanced the agricultural disaster response system and declared a special management period for heat and drought, as weather-related damage extended across farming and aquaculture zones.
Price hikes follow a mild July inflation
The recent surge in food prices came after South Korea reported slower inflation in July. The national consumer price index reached 119.77, with the 2020 baseline set at 100. Prices fell by 0.2% from June but increased by 2.8% compared to July 2025. In June, annual inflation was 3.2%, and the notable vegetable price increases announced on Aug. 7 occurred after the data period covered by July’s inflation figures.
Fresh vegetables continue to be among the most visibly affected food categories, with spinach experiencing the largest monthly rise among widely tracked items. Cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also saw significant gains. Meanwhile, livestock and aquaculture farms reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses during this period. Retail chicken prices stayed below recent highs as authorities maintained import, discount, and farm-support initiatives aimed at ensuring food supplies amid South Korea’s extreme summer heat.