According to the Rural Development Administration (RDA) in Korea’s Agricultural Outlook June issue, this summer’s cabbage production is projected to fall to 236,000 tons, a 24.5% decrease compared to previous years. The planted area has also shrunk to 3,418 hectares, down 23.9%, as reported by CCTV News.
The drastic reduction is largely attributed to extreme weather conditions, including record-high temperatures and heavy rainfall in 2024. Last year, cabbage prices surged by 128%, reaching 10,000 KRW (≈53 RMB) per head, earning it the nickname “gold vegetable” in Korean media.
Climate Change Worsens Agricultural Instability
The Korea Meteorological Administration confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with an average temperature of 14.5°C—the highest since records began in 1973. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns an 80% chance of 2025 breaking heat records again, threatening global food production.
Government Measures to Stabilize Supply
To curb price volatility, the Korean government has:
- Stockpiled 23,000 tons of cabbage (the largest reserve ever recorded).
- Prepared 2.5 million backup seedlings (a 25% increase from 2023) for emergency replanting.
- Slashed import tariffs on cabbage from 27% to 0% to boost supply.
Despite these efforts, land scarcity and labor shortages persist. Korea’s farmland has dwindled to 1.528 million hectares, with the average farmer age at 69 years old.
Dependence on Chinese Imports
Korea consumes ~2 million tons of cabbage annually, importing 200,000–250,000 tons, 99% of which comes from China—primarily Shandong Province. Since 2010, the Korean government has imported Chinese cabbage five times, including 1,507 tons in 2022 and additional shipments in 2024.
A Warning for Global Agriculture
Korea’s cabbage crisis highlights broader challenges: climate extremes, shrinking arable land, aging farmers, and reliance on imports. Without sustainable solutions—such as climate-resistant crops, smart farming, and policy reforms—food security will remain at risk worldwide.
