Heatwave Drives Up Fish Prices in South Korea, Flounder Sashimi Now Costs $20

South Korea is experiencing a significant increase in seafood prices, particularly for popular raw fish dishes, as a severe heatwave pushes up seawater temperatures. The rising heat is leading to mass die-offs in some aquaculture farms and diminishing catches, directly impacting the availability and cost of key items like flounder, gizzard shad, and rockfish.

The economic impact is becoming evident in major supermarkets, where a 300g portion of flounder sashimi now retails for approximately 25,000 to 26,000 won. Specific examples include E-Mart selling it for around 23,000 won and Lotte Mart for about 26,000 won.

This price hike is a direct consequence of the environmental stress on marine life. The combination of warmer waters and reduced fishing yields creates a challenging situation for both consumers, who face higher prices, and the fishing industry, which grapples with decreased supply and potential losses from farm die-offs.