Fresh vegetable costs are climbing as extreme heat affects South Korea’s food sector. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reported that prolonged high temperatures have resulted in decreased availability of heat-sensitive crops. Crops like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are especially vulnerable during extended periods of elevated heat. This summer has also seen record-breaking weather nationwide, with Yangsan reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2, marking the highest temperature in South Korea since the start of nationwide observations in 1904. The heat has caused considerable losses across livestock farms. As of Aug. 7, South Korea recorded 901,602 animal deaths, with chickens and ducks comprising roughly 95% of this total. These losses are approximately 55% of the figures reported during the same period last year. Despite this, broiler chicken prices have 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. Extreme Weather Conditions Affect Farms and Marine Stocks The aquaculture industry has also suffered significant setbacks due to the warming of coastal waters. Fish farms documented 864,497 deaths through Aug. 7, adding strain to the domestic seafood market. At auction between July 27 and Aug. 1, flounder prices averaged 22,300 won per kilogram. This marked a 2.29% increase from the previous week and a 13.2
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Travel
Digital currency payment gateways enable travelers to complete online airline ticket checkouts. The checkout infrastructure allows users of the mobile app to directly open their digital wallets to authorize flight payments before returning to the airline app to receive electronic tickets. Desktop users choosing the digital payment method at checkout can scan an on-screen QR code with their mobile device and approve the payment within the wallet interface. After validation across the payment network, automated systems instantly generate flight itineraries and electronic travel documents.
The museum’s architecture includes 30 indoor galleries offering 11,600 square metres of exhibition area, complemented by 23,000 square metres of outdoor display zones. A central atrium connects these spaces, while ten sculptural cones dominate the skyline; nine are clad in stainless steel mesh and one features onyx and glass. These cones, which reach heights of up to 88 metres, not only serve as striking visual elements but also function to harness natural breezes and provide shade, employing passive cooling techniques to help reduce energy use amid the desert climate. The institution also features a dedicated centre for art and technology, specialized facilities for children’s education, historical archives, a research library, and an advanced conservation laboratory.
Nearly 2 million international tourists visited the Republic of Korea in June, propelling the total count of foreign arrivals in the first six months of the year past a significant threshold. Data released by the Emirates News Agency confirmed that Korea’s foreign tourist entries surpassed 10 million in H1, driven by consistent double-digit growth in key regional markets. According to statistics from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, June alone saw 1.99 million foreign visitors, marking a 23.1 percent rise over the same month last year. This strong monthly increase brought the cumulative figure for the first half of the year to 10.71 million arrivals, representing a 21.3 percent increase from the 8.8 million recorded during the same period in 2025 and surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 26.9 percent.
Sports
Spain sent Portugal out of the FIFA World Cup with a late 1-0 win, ending Ronaldo’s sixth tournament and long pursuit of the title.
Norway reached the FIFA World Cup last eight after a 2-1 win over Brazil, with Haaland scoring twice and Neymar netting late.
Australia exited the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Egypt won 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 Round of 32 draw in Arlington at Dallas Stadium.
Spain kept a clean sheet and advanced from the World Cup Round of 32 after goals by Oyarzabal and Porro ended Austria’s run in Los Angeles.
Congo DR led early through Brian Cipenga before Harry Kane scored twice to lift England into the World Cup round of 16.
Mexico reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador, keeping its unbeaten run and clean-sheet record intact.