Wildfires in South Korea's northern Gyeongsangbuk-do Province have severely impacted apple production, affecting key growing counties such as Andong, Cheongsong, Uiseong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok. Around 9,362 hectares—approximately 28% of the country's total apple cultivation area—have been affected.
Cheongsong County, which produces 14% of South Korea's apples and is known for its high-altitude orchards, has seen significant damage. Reporters visiting the area on April 15 observed scorched hillsides and apple trees damaged by heat. Farmers are warning of a potential collapse in harvests due to heat stress during the critical flowering period. "In many cases, the trees couldn't even bloom. Even if they did, they won't be able to grow apples due to the heat-dried interior," said Ryu Young-woo, a farmer in Jinbo-myeon.
Ryu and other growers anticipate a 30% price increase starting in July. "Last year, we talked about 'golden apples' when prices reached ₩10,000 apiece (about $7.25). This year, we might be looking at 'platinum apples,'" he added. Other farmers, like Geum Gwang-su, shared concerns about the dry and lifeless blossoms.
As of mid-April, 40 cold storage facilities in Cheongsong have been damaged, impacting around 8% of apple orchards in Gyeongsangbuk-do. Nationally, apple prices have already risen. Wholesale prices averaged ₩6,912 per kilogram (approximately $5.00) in mid-April, a 71% increase from last year. Retail prices have risen 14% year-on-year.
Industry insiders expect further price hikes leading up to the Chuseok holiday. A distribution center official noted that prices will likely climb due to damage in major production zones. Farmers are warning of reduced yields and declining quality, while replanting efforts face difficulties. While Gyeongbuk officials say it is too early to predict the full nationwide impact, the industry is preparing for a costly season.
Source: The Korea Bizwire