SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – Amidst the ongoing heat wave, South Korea is experiencing a sharp increase in the prices of fresh vegetables and seafood, driven by the impact of prolonged high temperatures on agricultural and aquaculture outputs. The South Korea market has seen spinach reach 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, which is a 152.3% rise from a month earlier. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers now cost 8,313 won, reflecting a 54.8% increase. Blue lettuce has climbed 41.7%, and zucchini prices surged by 46.6% to 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs attributes these price hikes to the persistent high temperatures affecting crops sensitive to heat. Vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini thrive better in cooler environments, but extreme heat can hinder their growth and reduce the amount available for market. South Korea has endured extraordinary temperatures during this heat wave, with Yangsan in the southeast reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2—the highest recorded temperature nationwide since weather records began in 1904.
The intense heat has also taken a toll on livestock farms, with a total of 901,602 animal deaths reported as of Aug. 7. Poultry, including chickens and ducks, accounted for approximately 95% of these losses. Authorities noted that the livestock mortality rate was about 55% of the same period last year. On 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 added further strain on South Korea’s food sector, particularly in aquaculture. By Aug. 7, 864,497 fish had died due to the warming coastal waters. The average auction price for one kilogram of flounder rose to 22,300 won between July 27 and Aug. 1, marking a weekly increase of 2.29% and a 13.2% rise compared to the same period last year. Warnings about high water temperatures in coastal areas expanded to 17 regions by Aug. 7.
To mitigate the impact of the heat wave, the government has implemented measures to stabilize food supplies. These include increasing imports of broiler chickens and promoting discounts on fish at major retail outlets. Support programs for farmers feature misting systems, shade covers, and ventilation equipment to cope with extreme conditions. From Aug. 7, officials enhanced the agricultural disaster response framework and designated a special management period targeting heat and drought-related damages in affected farming regions.
Vegetable prices surge despite July inflation slowdown
The recent spike in vegetable prices contrasts with South Korea’s broader inflation trend, which had eased in July. The country’s consumer price index stood at 119.77, based on a 2020 benchmark of 100. Prices fell 0.2% from June but increased 2.8% from July 2025. Inflation rate for July slowed to 3.2% from June. The latest retail vegetable price data, dated Aug. 7, reflects recent market conditions following the July consumer inflation report.
The rise in food prices underscores the immediate economic impact of South Korea’s record heat on fresh produce and aquaculture industries. Among widely monitored vegetables, spinach saw the largest monthly increase, while cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also became considerably more expensive. Livestock and fish farms reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses, although chicken retail prices stayed below recent levels. The government’s supply initiatives and retail discounts operate alongside emergency agricultural programs as the ongoing summer heat continues to affect food production across the region.