Agriculture ministry reports late-July wholesale prices of watermelon and tomatoes below the normal-year level
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
In late July 2026 the wholesale price of watermelon was 20,405 won per 8 kg, 15.8% below the normal-year level and 33.5% below a year earlier, and seasonal fruit vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes and peaches are also holding below year-earlier prices as shipments increase.
Key facts
| Watermelon | Late-July wholesale price 20,405 won per 8 kg (15.8% below the normal-year level, 33.5% below a year earlier) |
|---|---|
| Tomato | Late-July wholesale price 7,587 won per 5 kg (50.6% below the normal-year level, 66.5% below a year earlier) |
| Melon | Late-July wholesale price 15,547 won per 5 kg (4.2% above the normal-year level, 17.8% below a year earlier) |
| Peach (white peach) | Late-July wholesale price 20,911 won per 4 kg (1.5% above the normal-year level, 19.9% below a year earlier) |
| Arrivals (daily average, late July) | Watermelon 425 tons, tomatoes 256 tons, melons 45 tons, peaches 359 tons |
| Supply and demand stabilization measures | Support for transport costs and listing fees for farms taking part in the summer fruit vegetable supply and demand stabilization program, to spread out shipments; supply of shading agents in June |
| Factors behind price changes | Arrivals vary with weather conditions such as sunshine hours, and swings are relatively large depending on supply and demand, including discount events at large retailers |
Last checked:
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said on July 30, 2026 that shipments of summer seasonal fruit vegetables and fruits have increased, keeping wholesale prices generally below both the normal-year and the year-earlier level. As of late July, the wholesale price of watermelon was 20,405 won per 8 kg, 15.8% below the normal-year level and 33.5% below a year earlier, and tomatoes were 7,587 won per 5 kg, 50.6% below the normal-year level and 66.5% below a year earlier. Melons were 15,547 won per 5 kg, 4.2% above the normal-year level and 17.8% below a year earlier, and peaches (white peach) were 20,911 won per 4 kg, 1.5% above the normal-year level and 19.9% below a year earlier.
Background — why this change
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs explained that on July 29, 2026 the wholesale price of watermelon (standard grade) rose 27.4% from the previous day but was 11.2% below the normal-year level and 30.6% below a year earlier. Watermelon shipments increased on the back of a larger July planting area and favorable weather conditions, and as planting area expanded in main shipping regions such as Gangwon and Gyeongbuk, arrivals rose 2.8% from the normal-year level.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
What was the wholesale price of watermelon in late July 2026?
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs it was 20,405 won per 8 kg, 15.8% below the normal-year level and 33.5% below a year earlier.
Why do prices rise and fall?
For major fruit vegetables such as watermelon, arrivals vary with weather conditions such as sunshine hours, and wholesale prices are items whose swings are relatively large depending on supply and demand, including discount events at large retailers.