Korea’s heatwave drives up fruit and veg prices

Unseasonably high temperatures in Korea are pushing up the prices of summer fruits and vegetables, with watermelons leading the surge. As of Tuesday, the average retail price of a watermelon reached 26,091 won (~$19) — a 31.7% increase from the five-year seasonal average and 26.6% higher than the same period last year, according to data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation.

The price spike comes amid delayed harvests due to June’s heavy rain and insufficient sunlight, especially in key production areas like Yanggu, Gangwon. Rising demand driven by the early heat has further strained supply.

Other summer staples are also becoming more expensive. Korean melons average 9,574 won (~$7) apiece, up 7.8%, while tomatoes are selling for 4,100 won (~$3) per kg, a 5.7% increase. Cherry tomatoes are up 12.7%, reaching 7,546 won (~$5.50) per kg, and cucumbers have climbed 18.3%, with a bundle of ten selling for 12,318 won (~$9).

Heat-sensitive leafy greens are also affected. Perilla leaves now cost 2,516 won (~$1.85) per 100g, a 26% rise, and green chili peppers reached 1,673 won (~$1.22) per 100g, up 18.2%.

The Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) expects high prices to persist through July, citing ongoing heat and the rising cost of substitute fruits. Meanwhile, Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture is monitoring the situation and has activated a task force to safeguard napa cabbage supplies post-Chuseok, including early seedling production as a precaution against further weather-related disruptions.

source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com

photo: hapskorea.com