Prices of some agricultural products in South Korea have risen sharply due to extreme weather conditions such as high temperatures and rainstorms, with some experiencing year-on-year increases of over 40 percent. According to the latest data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation, the average retail price of a typical 8-kilogram watermelon in the country is currently 33,337 won (about 24 U.S. dollars), a nearly 20-percent increase compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the average retail price of tomatoes is 6,716 won per kilogram, a year-on-year increase of 42.6 percent. "The prices of both peaches and apples have gone up a lot. The price of lettuce soared, probably because of the latest heavy rain. So, I'm looking for discounted items," said a resident. High temperatures have hit many parts of South Korea since the beginning of summer this year. Last month, the central and southern regions suffered rainstorms, causing about 28,000 hectares of crops to be affected. Data showed that the average retail price of cabbage reached 6,114 won per kilogram, up 68 percent from a month ago and 11.2 percent from the same period last year. South Korean media said that as cabbage is the most widely used raw material for kimchi across the country, its price will not only directly affects the cost of living, but also has a chain reaction in other aspects. Data from the Korea Customs Service indicate that in the first half of this year, the value of imports of kimchi was 93.79 million U.S. dollars, an increase of 11.2 percent year on year. If the current trend continues, the annual value of imports of kimchi this year is expected to break the historical record. SHOTLIST: Seoul, South Korea - Recent 1. Various of watermelons on sale in supermarket, price tag; 2. Various of consumer buying watermelon; 3. Various of tomatoes on sale in supermarket; 4. SOUNDBITE (Korean) consumer (name not given) (ending with shot 5): "The prices of both peaches and apples have gone up a lot. The price of lettuce soared, probably because of the latest heavy rain. So, I'm looking for discounted items."; 5. Consumer buying vegetables; 6. Various of people dining in restaurant; 7. Various of cook preparing food; FILE: Taebaek City, Gangwon-do Province, South Korea - 2023 8. Aerial shots of cabbage fields; 9. Various of flooded field, cabbages; FILE: South Korea - 2023 10. Various of workers handling goods in trade center. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]