The short answer

Even if a short-term increase in cucumber prices has been observed, it is too early to conclude that spinach and cucumber prices will surge through September and Chuseok. Both prices relative to normal levels and the outlook for future shipments need to be considered.

Background

Heatwaves can affect vegetable growth and shipments. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs explained that major leafy and root vegetables, including spinach, grow well in cool weather and that production declines at temperatures above 30°C.

However, as of August 11, 2026, the ministry said that recent prices for leafy and root vegetables such as spinach were below normal levels, thanks to favorable weather and stable shipments. It forecast that shipments of greenhouse-grown vegetables would increase as temperatures fell, keeping supplies favorable through September and the Chuseok peak season.

Key concepts

Short-term increases and levels relative to normal are different

According to Yonhap News Agency, the wholesale price of Korean slicing cucumbers on August 3, 2026, was up 59.4% from the same period a year earlier. However, the Korea Rural Economic Institute forecast that cucumber shipments in August would increase from the previous year.

The agriculture ministry also said that cucumber shipments had increased because of expanded cultivation area and favorable weather, leaving recent prices generally below both the previous year’s and normal levels. Therefore, it is difficult to judge the price trend through Chuseok based only on the increase recorded at a particular point in time.

Spinach is inherently more expensive in summer

According to ministry data, spinach’s normal wholesale price is 51,483 won per 4 kg during the summer months of July through September—3.6 times the average of 14,377 won from October through June. Seasonal differences need to be considered when comparing summer prices with those in other seasons.

Cucumbers also show a seasonal pattern in which normal prices rise from July after being lower in May and June, continuing through the Chuseok holiday. This means that each item has a different baseline price and seasonal pattern.

What it means now

Chuseok in 2026 falls on Friday, September 25, with the holiday period running from September 24 to 27. Because demand is concentrated around Chuseok, two separate points should be checked when assessing prices:

  1. How recent prices compare with the previous year and normal levels
  2. What the shipment and supply outlook is through September and the Chuseok peak season
The key is not to treat “how much did it rise?” and “is it more expensive than normal?” as the same question.

Based on the materials currently available, both a short-term increase in cucumber prices and the agriculture ministry’s outlook for stability relative to normal levels exist at the same time. Spinach’s normal summer price is also high, but as of August 11, recent prices were described as below normal levels.

Points to check

  • Agricultural prices can vary by item, grade, region, and survey date.
  • The latest retail and wholesale prices for spinach and cucumbers should be checked again on KAMIS before publication.
  • The outlook for favorable supplies through September and Chuseok is based on information available as of August 11, 2026.
  • If the heatwave continues or heavy rain and flooding cause damage, the supply outlook may need to be reassessed.