Cucumber and Zucchini Prices Double as 40°C "Cauldron Heat" Drives Up Vegetable Costs

Heatwave Intensifies in August

Some Vegetable Prices Rebound After Last Month’s Downtrend

Reduction in Supply from Main Production Areas

High Temperatures Expected to Continue Through the Month

Monitoring Temporary Price Fluctu

As the midday high temperature approaches 40 degrees Celsius, the so-called “cauldron heat” is intensifying, leading to a rebound in vegetable prices that had previously been on the decline. The drop in yield—the proportion of high-quality produce out of total production—due to the extreme heat and a reduction in farm operations in production regions have resulted in decreased supply. With both daily minimum and maximum temperatures expected to remain higher than average through late August 2026, the government has announced plans to monitor price trends and manage supply and demand accordingly.

A consumer is browsing vegetables at a large supermarket in Seoul. Photo by Jojongjun

According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) on August 4, the largest price fluctuations among agricultural products as of the previous day were seen in zucchini, spinach, cucumber (chucheong variety), and young squash. The price of 10 kg of zucchini rose 168.6% from the previous month to 25,640 won, while 4 kg of spinach climbed 113.6% to 50,580 won. In addition, the prices for 50 cucumbers and 20 young squashes were 35,200 won and 24,200 won, up 99.8% and 87.7% from the previous month, respectively.

Retail prices for major vegetables purchased by consumers through sales channels have also increased notably since the beginning of this month. Premium-grade spinach sold for 1,718 won per 100 grams on the previous day—a 101.6% rise from the previous month's average of 852 won. Prices for other vegetables, such as loose-leaf napa cabbage (1 kg of premium grade), young radish (per piece of premium grade), and cucumber (spined variety, per 10 pieces) were also 50-80% higher than last month on average. Leafy vegetables popular during the summer vacation season, such as green leaf lettuce and perilla leaves, also saw modest price increases.

Industry experts analyze that the sharp heat starting in late July nationwide has led to a temporary price surge for certain vegetables due to a drop in shipment volumes. A representative from a leafy vegetable farm explained, "For field-grown varieties, higher temperatures hinder growth, and extremely hot weather limits farming hours in production regions. As a result, the shipments decrease, and this causes temporary price fluctuations for certain items."

Another variable is that the average weekly temperature is projected to remain above normal through late August, with less rainfall expected. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, there is a 70% probability that next week’s nationwide maximum temperatures will be higher than the historical average (29.1–31.3°C), and a 30% probability that abnormally high temperatures exceeding 33.6°C will occur—both above typical levels. For the next two weeks, there is a 50% probability that total weekly precipitation will fall below the average (23.9–67.8 mm).

Offline sales channels are also closely monitoring the supply and demand situation resulting from weather conditions and planning responses accordingly. An industry source said, "We plan to expand procurement from regions with relatively lower temperatures and use reserve stocks for certain items to help stabilize consumer prices." The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs forecasts that overall supply conditions for major summer fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, watermelons, and tomatoes will remain stable this month. However, with heat wave warnings in effect for most regions nationwide, the ministry plans to check crop conditions in main production regions and adjust shipments as needed to respond to any temporary price fluctuations caused by changing weather conditions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.