A Village in Yesan County, South Chungcheong Province Submerged in Water (Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 23 (Korea Bizwire) — More than 1.78 million farm animals have perished in South Korea following relentless downpours that began on July 16, according to preliminary data released Tuesday by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
The toll includes approximately 1.48 million chickens, 151,000 ducks, 150,000 quail, and smaller numbers of cattle, pigs, and goats. Livestock facilities covering 5.5 hectares were also reported damaged.
The figures are based on initial assessments by local governments and may be revised as further inspections are conducted.
Crop damage remains extensive, with 29,111 hectares—an area equivalent to over 40,000 soccer fields—submerged as of Monday. Rice paddies were the hardest hit, accounting for over 25,000 hectares, followed by soybeans.
The central province of South Chungcheong bore the brunt, with 16,710 hectares of farmland flooded, followed by South Jeolla and South Gyeongsang provinces.
On July 21, officials carry out flood damage restoration work at a livestock farm in Hyeon-ri, Jojong-myeon, Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province. (Yonhap)
In response, the ministry is mobilizing agricultural disaster insurance teams and distributing discounted pesticides and nutrients to support pest control and crop recovery.
Officials also warned of potential supply shortages in some agricultural products. Prices for seasonal fruits and vegetables have already surged amid continued heatwaves following the rains. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, the average retail price of a watermelon topped 31,000 won ($24) this week—up 25.5% from a year ago.
Strawberry Seedling Farm Damaged by Flooding (Yonhap)
Prices of white peaches, spinach, and cabbage have also risen sharply, with spinach up 25.8%, reflecting growing concerns over climate-driven volatility in the country’s food supply.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
