During the heat wave in August, prices for some vegetables rose substantially according to available data. Citing KAMIS data as of August 11, 2026, the retail price of spinach was 1,088 won per 100 g, up 85.3% from a month earlier. Zucchini rose 44.5% to 1,036 won each, while cucumbers rose 38.7% to 7,977 won per 10.
Confirmed Price Changes by Item
| Item | Retail price·basis | Change from one month earlier | Wholesale price·basis | Wholesale increase from previous month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spinach | 1,088 won per 100 g | 85.3% | 50,580 won per 4 kg | 113.6% |
| Zucchini | 1,036 won each | 44.5% | 24,200 won per 20 | 87.7% |
| Cucumber | 7,977 won per 10 | 38.7% | 35,200 won per 50 | 99.8% |
At wholesale markets as of August 4, 2026, the increases for spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini were greater than their retail price increases. Leafy vegetables such as green-leaf lettuce and perilla leaves were also reported to have risen slightly amid increased demand during the vacation season, but no specific increase rate on the same basis as spinach was confirmed for green-leaf lettuce.
There are indications that green-leaf lettuce prices rose, but an unconfirmed increase rate should not be assigned or interpreted arbitrarily.
How Did the Heat Wave Affect Production and Shipments?
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs explained that leafy and root vegetables such as spinach and lettuce tend to see lower production at temperatures above 30°C. It also said that vegetable prices tend to be higher in summer than in other seasons because shipments decline while demand and operating costs rise.
A comparison of wholesale prices with historical average levels also showed that summer spinach prices were 3.6 times higher than in other seasons, while lettuce prices were 2.6 times higher. However, this comparison shows seasonal price patterns and should not be treated as equivalent to the short-term increase rates seen this time.
Distinguishing a Short-Term Surge from a Prolonged Shortage
The data currently available supports a short-term increase in prices for some vegetables. However, it does not confirm that all four items are in a prolonged shortage. Multiple factors—including shipment volumes, working conditions, demand, and operating costs—may have contributed to the price increases alongside the heat wave.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs expects shipments of greenhouse-grown vegetables such as lettuce to increase as temperatures fall. It also forecast favorable supply conditions through next month and the peak Chuseok season, noting that even after disasters, crops can be harvested 20 to 30 days after sowing or transplanting. In preparation for a prolonged heat wave, the ministry said it would expand support for agricultural materials, secure reserve stocks of napa cabbage and radishes, and promote vegetable discounts through the Chuseok peak season.
Points to Check
- The price figures are based on data from August 4–12, 2026.
- A rise in green-leaf lettuce prices was confirmed, but no specific increase rate on the same basis was secured.
- Heat-wave-related price changes do not necessarily indicate a prolonged shortage or a collapse in supply.
- The latest KAMIS figures should be checked again at the time of publication.