SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – In South Korea, the prolonged period of extreme heat has led to significant increases in the prices of fresh vegetables, as shipments dwindled and farm outputs suffered nationwide. According to data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp., spinach reached 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, reflecting a 152.3% rise compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers cost 8,313 won, showing a 54.8% increase. Additionally, blue lettuce saw a 41.7% boost, and zucchini surged 46.6% to 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs attributed these price hikes to persistent high temperatures impacting heat-sensitive vegetables. While vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini thrive in cooler environments, extreme heat can hinder their growth and decrease the quantity available for market. South Korea has experienced exceptional heat during this heat wave, with Yangsan, in the southeast of the country, reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2— the highest temperature recorded nationwide since weather observations began in 1904.
The intense heat has also resulted in notable losses in livestock farms, with 901,602 animal deaths recorded as of Aug. 7. Poultry—comprising chickens and ducks—accounted for roughly 95% of these fatalities. Officials noted that these livestock deaths are approximately 55% of the number reported during the same period last year. As of Aug. 7, the retail price of broiler chicken was 5,925 won per kilogram, dropping below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
Heat-Related Damage Extends to Farms and Fisheries
Rising water temperatures have posed additional challenges for South Korea’s food industry. Aquaculture farms reported 864,497 fish deaths through Aug. 7 as coastal waters warmed. The average auction price for a kilogram of flounder reached 22,300 won from July 27 to Aug. 1, representing a weekly increase of 2.29% and a 13.2% rise compared to the previous year. By Aug. 7, warnings for high temperatures in coastal waters had expanded to 17 areas.
To address the heat wave’s impact, authorities have implemented measures aimed at stabilizing food supplies. The government has increased broiler chicken imports and promoted discounts on fish at major retail outlets. Support measures for agriculture include misting equipment, shade covers, and ventilation systems for farms affected by extreme temperatures. Additionally, officials strengthened the agricultural disaster response framework starting Aug. 7 and designated a special management period for heat and drought as damages accumulated across farming regions.
Surge in Fresh Food Prices Contrasts July Inflation Trends
These recent increases in vegetable prices contrast with the broader inflation trend that had eased in July. South Korea’s consumer price index stood at 119.77, based on a 2020 baseline of 100. Prices declined by 0.2% from June but increased by 2.8% from July 2025. The inflation rate for July slowed from 3.2% in June. The latest retail vegetable price data, dated Aug. 7, reflects conditions after the period covered by the July consumer inflation report.
The rise in food prices underscores the immediate economic consequences of South Korea’s record-breaking heat on fresh produce and aquaculture. Among widely tracked vegetables, spinach experienced the largest monthly increase, with cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also becoming substantially more expensive. Livestock and fish farms reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses, yet chicken retail prices remain below recent levels. Government measures to support supply and retail discounts continue alongside emergency agricultural programs as extreme summer conditions persist, affecting food production across the country.