Industry data released on Sunday reveals a sharp spike in agricultural product prices across South Korea, driven by extreme heatwave conditions.

Data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation shows that, as of Friday, the retail price of 100 grams of spinach has surged by 152.3% compared to a month ago. Over the same period, the cost of 10 cucumbers has risen by 54.8%, while the price of 100 grams of green leaf lettuce has climbed by 41.7%.

The South Korean government attributes the price increases to the persistent heatwave, noting that vegetables, particularly leafy greens, are highly vulnerable to high-temperature environments.