SEOUL, South Korea - South Korea is experiencing a surge in vegetable and fruit prices, driven by this winter's severe weather conditions and ongoing climate change impacts. The resulting financial strain on consumers is prompting a notable shift towards more affordable frozen alternatives.

Key winter vegetables, including cabbage and radishes, have seen dramatic price increases. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), radish retail prices have soared by 78.58% compared to last year, while cabbage prices have risen by 36.23%. Other vegetables, such as carrots and broccoli, are also experiencing significant price hikes.

These price increases are largely attributed to extreme weather events, including heatwaves, heavy snowfall, and frigid temperatures, which have disrupted agricultural production. Additionally, there has been a reduction in the cultivation areas for key winter vegetables.

Fruit prices are also on the rise, with seasonal favorites like strawberries and tangerines becoming increasingly expensive. Tangerine prices, in particular, have more than doubled compared to the average year.

Faced with these rising costs, South Korean consumers are increasingly turning to imported and frozen fruits as more affordable options. This trend has led to record-high import volumes for both fresh and frozen fruits. Data from the Korea Rural Economic Institute indicates a 20.1% increase in fresh fruit imports last year. Also frozen fruit imports also reached record highs.

In response to the growing financial burden on consumers, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has announced an extension of discount support at major retailers. This initiative aims to alleviate the impact of rising food prices on households across the country.