South Korean rice harvest season

In mid-August 2026, agricultural regions in South Korea began their first rice harvests of the season using early-maturing varieties.

In Gyeongsangbuk-do, harvests commenced in Chilgok-gun and Yeongju-si. Farmers in Chilgok-gun utilized varieties such as Hwanggeum-byeo, Koshihikari, and Yundam, with expectations of receiving prices approximately 10% higher than market averages for high-quality ‘Geumjong Rice’. In Yeongju-si, the ‘8.15 Liberation Rice’, an extremely early-maturing ‘Barmi’ variety, was harvested with a goal of reaching 120 tons for distribution ahead of the Chuseok holiday.

By late August, harvesting activities expanded to other regions including Gimpo City and Gyeongju City. In Gimpo, farmers harvested crops just three months after transplanting, a timeline that suggests the potential for double-cropping. In Gyeongju, growers focused on ‘Haedambyeo’, a variety noted for its disease resistance and taste quality. Local authorities in Gyeongju provided 40 million won in support for seeds, fertilizer, and farming materials to facilitate stable production.