SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea is experiencing a dramatic rise in fresh food costs due to extreme temperatures disrupting agricultural production and decreasing vegetable supplies. Data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. indicated that spinach reached 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, representing an increase of 152.3% compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers were priced at 8,313 won, up 54.8%, with blue lettuce increasing 41.7% and zucchini climbing 46.6% to 1,504 won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reported that prolonged high temperatures have severely impacted the availability of heat-sensitive crops. Vegetables such as spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are especially susceptible during extended periods of elevated heat. This summer has also seen record-breaking weather, with Yangsan reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2 — the hottest temperature in South Korea since the start of nationwide record-keeping in 1904.
Livestock farms have suffered substantial losses as well, with South Korea registering 901,602 animal deaths through Aug. 7, predominantly chickens and ducks, which accounted for approximately 95% of total casualties. These losses are roughly 55% of the figures reported during the same timeframe last year. Despite these conditions, broiler chicken prices have remained relatively steady, with retail prices at 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, staying below 6,000 won for the first time since February.
High Temperatures Impact Both Agriculture and Fisheries
The aquaculture sector has also experienced considerable setbacks as coastal waters warmed, leading to extensive fish mortality. By Aug. 7, fish farms documented 864,497 deaths, adding further pressure to the domestic seafood industry. During the period between July 27 and Aug. 1, flounder prices averaged 22,300 won per kilogram at auction, marking a 2.29% increase from the previous week and a 13.2% rise compared to last year. Meanwhile, high-temperature warnings covered 17 coastal areas across the country.
In response, the government has implemented measures aimed at stabilizing supply and prices across various food categories. These include increased imports of broiler chickens, expanded retail discounts for fish, and support for farms in installing shade structures, misting systems, and ventilation to combat the heat. From Aug. 7, authorities also enhanced the agricultural disaster response system and introduced a special management period focused on heat and drought-related damages, which have affected farming and aquaculture regions nationwide.
Food Price Growth Follows a Softer July Inflation Rate
The recent spike in food prices follows a period of slower inflation in South Korea during July. The inflation rate for July was relatively subdued, with the national consumer price index at 119.77, based on a 2020 benchmark of 100. Prices decreased by 0.2% from June but increased 2.8% compared to July 2025. While inflation for the year stood at 3.2% in June, the sharp rise in vegetable prices reported on Aug. 7 occurred after the period covered by the July inflation figures.
Vegetables remain among the most visibly affected food categories due to the heat wave. Spinach experienced the highest monthly increase among commonly tracked products, with cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini also showing significant gains. Livestock and aquaculture farms reported hundreds of thousands of heat-related losses during this period. Retail chicken prices, however, have stayed below recent highs as authorities continue to facilitate imports, discounts, and farm-support initiatives aimed at ensuring food availability during South Korea’s extreme summer conditions.