SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – In South Korea, prices for fresh vegetables have climbed sharply. The prolonged extreme heat has disrupted shipments and damaged farm yields nationwide. According to Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp., spinach reached 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, a 152.3% increase from a month earlier. Ten cucumbers cost 8,313 won, up 54.8%. Blue lettuce increased by 41.7%, and zucchini rose 46.6% to 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs attributed these hikes to persistent high temperatures that affect heat-sensitive vegetables. Spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini tend to grow better in cooler weather. Extreme heat hampers their growth and reduces harvestable quantities. South Korea has faced extraordinary temperatures during this heat wave. On Aug. 2, Yangsan in the southeast hit 42.5 degrees Celsius—the highest temperature ever recorded nationally since weather data collection began in 1904.
The intense heat has also impacted livestock farms. As of Aug. 7, 901,602 animals had died. Poultry, including chickens and ducks, accounted for about 95% of these losses. Officials said livestock deaths are roughly 55% of last year’s comparable figure. The retail price for broiler chicken was 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, falling below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Heat damage affects farms and fisheries
Rising water temperatures have added pressure to South Korea’s food supply. Aquaculture farms lost 864,497 fish by Aug. 7 due to warmer coastal waters. The average auction price for one kilogram of flounder hit 22,300 won from July 27 to Aug. 1. That was a weekly increase of 2.29% and a 13.2% rise from the same period last year. By Aug. 7, 17 coastal areas faced high-temperature alerts.
The government has taken steps to stabilize food supplies affected by the heat. It increased broiler chicken imports and promoted discounts for fish at major retail outlets. Support measures include misting equipment, shade coverings, and ventilation systems for farms facing extreme conditions. Authorities also reinforced the agricultural disaster response from Aug. 7. A special management period for heat and drought was declared as damages grew across farming regions.
Food price hikes contrast July inflation slowdown
The recent rise in vegetable prices contrasts with broader inflation figures that had eased in July. South Korea’s consumer price index was 119.77, with 2020 set as the base level of 100. Consumer prices decreased by 0.2% from June and increased by 2.8% compared to July 2025. The July inflation rate slowed from 3.2% in June. The latest vegetable price data, dated Aug. 7, was collected after the July inflation report period.
The surge in food prices underscores the immediate economic impact of South Korea’s record-breaking heat on fresh produce and aquaculture. Spinach experienced the largest monthly increase among widely monitored vegetables. Cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also became much more costly. Livestock and fish farms reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses. Meanwhile, chicken retail prices stayed below recent peaks. Government measures and retail discounts operate alongside emergency agricultural programs as extreme summer conditions continue to threaten food production.