SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea faces a significant rise in the cost of fresh produce as record-breaking temperatures hamper agricultural output and diminish vegetable availability. According to data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp., on Aug. 7, spinach reached 1,978 won per 100 grams, which is 152.3% higher than the previous month. The cost of ten cucumbers was 8,313 won, showing a 54.8% increase. Meanwhile, blue lettuce climbed 41.7%, and zucchini prices surged by 46.6% to 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has reported that prolonged periods of intense heat have led to reduced supplies of crops that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are especially vulnerable during extended hot spells. This summer has also seen the breaking of national temperature records, with Yangsan reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2, marking the highest temperature recorded in South Korea since nationwide measurements began in 1904.
The heat has also inflicted severe losses on livestock farms. As of Aug. 7, South Korea documented 901,602 animal fatalities, with chickens and ducks accounting for roughly 95% of this total. These losses are approximately 55% of those reported during the same period last year. Despite this, retail prices for broiler chickens have remained relatively stable at 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, dropping below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Severe Temperatures Impact Agriculture and Fish Stocks
Aquaculture operations have also suffered heavy damage as coastal waters warmed. Fish farms reported a total of 864,497 fish deaths through Aug. 7, exerting additional pressure on the domestic seafood market. At auction between July 27 and Aug. 1, flounder was valued at an average of 22,300 won per kilogram. This marked a 2.29% increase from the previous week and a 13.2% rise compared to the same period last year, with high-temperature warnings issued across 17 coastal regions.
The government has responded with measures to stabilize supply and prices in various food sectors. These include increased imports of broiler chickens and expanded retail discounts for fish. Support has also been provided to farms in the form of shade equipment, misting systems, and ventilation solutions to mitigate the effects of the extreme heat. From Aug. 7, officials strengthened the agricultural disaster response system and launched a special management period to address heat and drought impacts across farming and aquaculture areas.
Food Price Increase Follows July’s Weaker Inflation Data
South Korea experienced a slowdown in consumer inflation in July, but recent food price hikes reflect the impact of the ongoing heatwave. The national consumer price index was 119.77, with 2020 as the base year at 100. Prices decreased by 0.2% from June but rose by 2.8% compared to July 2025. In June, annual inflation was recorded at 3.2%. The sharp increases in vegetable prices reported on Aug. 7 occurred after the July inflation figures were compiled.
Fresh vegetables continue to be among the most visibly affected food categories, with spinach experiencing the largest monthly jump among commonly tracked products. Cucumber, lettuce, and zucchini prices also saw notable gains. Meanwhile, livestock and aquaculture farms have reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses during this period. Retail chicken prices have remained below recent peaks as authorities continue to implement measures such as imports, discounts, and farm support to ensure food supplies amid South Korea’s extreme summer conditions.