South Korea Faces Rising ⁣Food‌ Prices⁢ as Drought and Heatwave Impact ‍Key crops

Seoul,South korea – August 31,2025 – South Korean consumers are facing increasing prices for staple vegetables like cabbage and ‌potatoes as a severe drought and rising temperatures disrupt crop yields. The ⁣situation has prompted government intervention and raised concerns​ about the long-term impact of⁣ climate change on food security.

The price⁢ increases⁤ are being attributed ‍to what experts are calling a “heat+inflation” effect. Analysis indicates that a 1-degree Celsius rise in temperature correlates⁣ with a 0.5% increase in agricultural ​product prices, directly linking climate⁢ change to rising costs for consumers.

Images from Seoul’s ⁢large ​marts show ‍shoppers⁤ examining ⁤cabbage with visible concern, reflecting the growing anxieties over grocery bills.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced plans to bolster monitoring ‍of⁤ mountainous regions ahead of the summer and Chuseok (Korean thanksgiving) peak season. Support for crop growth will be provided through fertilizer, pesticides, and ⁢preliminary grave supplies. Furthermore, major retailers ​- including large marts, smaller stores, and customary markets – ‌will offer discounts of up to 40% on select items to alleviate the financial burden on shoppers.

“We‍ will prepare⁣ measures to stabilize the supply and demand of Chuseok,” stated an official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, adding‍ that⁣ a detailed plan will be announced in mid-September.

The drought’s impact is notably acute in Gangwon-do province, where the city of Gangneung⁤ has been‌ officially declared a disaster area. President Lee Jae-myung visited the region today to chair a​ drought response meeting and authorized the deployment of the National Fire‍ Dongwon ⁣Decree. The government is mobilizing 50 fire tank cars⁣ to deliver⁤ an additional 2,000 tons of water per day to⁢ affected areas. “Mobilize the available resources to minimize drought damage,” President Lee instructed.

The situation in Gangwon-do is being framed as a symptom of a broader climate crisis, with ⁣repeated⁣ extreme ⁢weather events threatening the stability‍ of agricultural production and impacting household‌ budgets. Potatoes and cabbage, often referred to as⁢ “national ingredients” due⁢ to their widespread use in Korean cuisine, are experiencing​ particularly sharp price increases.

Experts are calling for​ comprehensive solutions, including improvements to water management systems, diversification of crop varieties, and‍ the establishment of secure import⁣ channels. ‍ The increasing prevalence of terms like “gold cabbage” and “financial potatoes” – slang ⁢referencing the high cost of thes staples – serves as a warning that basic changes to the agricultural, distribution, and consumption structures ‌are urgently needed.