SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea is experiencing significant surges in fresh food costs as unprecedented heatwaves damage farms and cut vegetable yields. Data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. indicated spinach hit 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, representing a 152.3% increase compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers were priced at 8,313 won, up 54.8%, with blue lettuce climbing 41.7% and zucchini rising 46.6% to 1,504 won.
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% rise from the same period last year, with 17 coastal regions under high-temperature alerts.
In response, the government has implemented measures to stabilize supply and prices across various food sectors. These include increasing imports of broiler chickens and expanding retail discounts for fish. Support has also been provided to farms for installing shade structures, misting systems, and ventilation equipment to mitigate extreme heat. From Aug. 7, authorities fortified the agricultural disaster response system and introduced a dedicated heat and drought management period as damage spread throughout farming and aquaculture regions.
Vegetable Prices Spike After a Slower July Inflation
The recent rise in food prices follows a period of slower inflation reported in July. South Korea’s inflation rate for that month stood at 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. While inflation was at 3.2% in June, the sharp increases in vegetables reported on Aug. 7 occurred after the data period for July’s inflation figures.
Among the most visibly impacted food categories by the heatwave are fresh vegetables. Spinach experienced the largest monthly jump among popular products, while cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also saw considerable increases. Livestock and aquaculture sectors reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses during this time. Retail chicken prices have stayed below recent peaks, supported by ongoing import, discount, and farm-assistance measures aimed at ensuring food supply during South Korea’s intense summer heat.