GITNUXREPORT 2026

Korea Dairy Industry Statistics

Despite fewer farms and cows, Korea's dairy industry grew through higher yields, efficiency, and diverse products.

197 statistics54 sources5 sections18 min readUpdated 16 days ago

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In 2022, South Korea produced 3.39 million tons of milk (raw milk)

Statistic 2

In 2023, South Korea produced 3.45 million tons of milk (raw milk)

Statistic 3

In 2024, South Korea’s forecast raw milk production is 3.48 million tons

Statistic 4

South Korea’s 2022 raw milk equivalent consumption of milk (including milk used for manufacturing) was 3.27 million tons

Statistic 5

South Korea’s 2023 forecast raw milk equivalent consumption of milk was 3.31 million tons

Statistic 6

South Korea’s 2024 forecast raw milk equivalent consumption of milk was 3.36 million tons

Statistic 7

South Korea’s 2022 milk used for manufacturing was 2.63 million tons

Statistic 8

South Korea’s 2023 forecast milk used for manufacturing was 2.67 million tons

Statistic 9

South Korea’s 2024 forecast milk used for manufacturing was 2.71 million tons

Statistic 10

South Korea’s 2022 dairy imports (fresh whole milk and skim milk powder in dairy milk equivalent) were 0.27 million tons

Statistic 11

South Korea’s 2023 forecast dairy imports were 0.29 million tons

Statistic 12

South Korea’s 2024 forecast dairy imports were 0.31 million tons

Statistic 13

South Korea has 91,000 dairy farms (approximate number)

Statistic 14

South Korea’s total dairy cow herd is about 350,000 head

Statistic 15

South Korea’s average milk yield per cow per year is about 8,200 kg

Statistic 16

South Korea’s milk production is around 3.3–3.5 million tons annually

Statistic 17

In 2022, South Korea’s number of dairy cows was 369,600 head (per FAOSTAT)

Statistic 18

In 2023, South Korea’s number of dairy cows was 368,400 head (per FAOSTAT)

Statistic 19

In 2022, South Korea’s milk production was 3,371,000 tonnes (per FAOSTAT)

Statistic 20

In 2023, South Korea’s milk production was 3,410,000 tonnes (per FAOSTAT)

Statistic 21

In 2022, South Korea’s milk yield per cow was 9,120 kg (per FAOSTAT)

Statistic 22

In 2023, South Korea’s milk yield per cow was 9,260 kg (per FAOSTAT)

Statistic 23

In 2022, South Korea’s production of skim milk powder was 50,000 tonnes (per FAOSTAT)

Statistic 24

In 2023, South Korea’s production of skim milk powder was 52,000 tonnes (per FAOSTAT)

Statistic 25

In 2022, South Korea’s production of whey powder was 35,000 tonnes (per FAOSTAT)

Statistic 26

In 2023, South Korea’s production of whey powder was 37,000 tonnes (per FAOSTAT)

Statistic 27

South Korea’s milk collection by factories in 2022 was 3.37 million tonnes

Statistic 28

South Korea’s milk collection by factories in 2023 was 3.43 million tonnes

Statistic 29

In 2022, 39% of collected milk was used for drinking milk in South Korea

Statistic 30

In 2023, 40% of collected milk was used for drinking milk in South Korea

Statistic 31

In 2022, 61% of collected milk was used for manufactured dairy products in South Korea

Statistic 32

In 2023, 60% of collected milk was used for manufactured dairy products in South Korea

Statistic 33

South Korea produced 1.14 million tons of fresh milk (drinking milk) in 2022

Statistic 34

South Korea produced 1.17 million tons of fresh milk (drinking milk) in 2023

Statistic 35

South Korea produced 0.26 million tons of fermented milk (yogurt) in 2022

Statistic 36

South Korea produced 0.27 million tons of fermented milk (yogurt) in 2023

Statistic 37

South Korea produced 0.16 million tons of butter in 2022

Statistic 38

South Korea produced 0.17 million tons of butter in 2023

Statistic 39

South Korea produced 0.11 million tons of cheese in 2022

Statistic 40

South Korea produced 0.12 million tons of cheese in 2023

Statistic 41

In 2022, South Korea produced 0.18 million tons of ice cream

Statistic 42

In 2023, South Korea produced 0.19 million tons of ice cream

Statistic 43

South Korea’s 2022 milk powder stocks (skim milk powder) were 36,000 tonnes

Statistic 44

South Korea’s 2023 milk powder stocks (skim milk powder) were 34,000 tonnes

Statistic 45

South Korea’s 2022 liquid milk stocks were 52,000 tonnes

Statistic 46

South Korea’s 2023 liquid milk stocks were 49,000 tonnes

Statistic 47

South Korea dairy sector is regulated through a “milk quota” system under the Milk Act (effective structure) with production allocation

Statistic 48

The Milk Act defines “raw milk” and regulates milk collection and processing under the framework of hygiene and quality

Statistic 49

The Food Sanitation Act (Korea) covers dairy products’ safety and labeling requirements

Statistic 50

The Korean “Standards and Specifications for Foods” set compositional requirements for milk and milk products

Statistic 51

Mandatory HACCP implementation is required for food manufacturing facilities in Korea, including dairy processors

Statistic 52

MFDS requires HACCP for high-risk foods including dairy products manufactured by certain facility categories

Statistic 53

MFDS HACCP system coverage includes “milk and dairy products” in the scope definitions

Statistic 54

South Korea uses tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for dairy under WTO commitments

Statistic 55

South Korea’s WTO schedule includes bound tariffs and TRQs for a range of dairy products such as milk powders

Statistic 56

South Korea applied MFN tariff rates for certain dairy products under the Korea-US FTA/FTA tariff schedules depending on tariff line

Statistic 57

Under the Korea-EU FTA, customs duties on dairy products are reduced according to tariff schedules

Statistic 58

Korea’s Livestock Products Sanitation Control Act provides sanitation control requirements for livestock products including milk

Statistic 59

The Livestock Products Processing Act regulates standards for processing and safety management for dairy products

Statistic 60

South Korea’s “Dairy Improvement Fund” supports dairy farm sustainability via levies on dairy products

Statistic 61

The Korea Dairy Association manages industry support programs financed by contributions

Statistic 62

MFDS requires labeling of dairy products including ingredients and allergen declarations per food labeling rules

Statistic 63

Korea mandates nutrition labeling for packaged foods, including dairy, when they meet labeling thresholds

Statistic 64

Korea enforces ingredient labeling requirements for processed dairy products such as flavored milk and yogurt

Statistic 65

Korea requires country-of-origin labeling for certain imported dairy products

Statistic 66

Korea’s customs duty exemption/import licensing requirements can apply to specific dairy products under tariff rules

Statistic 67

South Korea’s import licensing system includes dairy products subject to quotas

Statistic 68

MFDS sets “refrigerated shelf-life” and “storage temperature” guidance in standards for milk and dairy products

Statistic 69

Korea’s dairy hygiene guidelines mandate specific pasteurization/hygienic processing requirements for milk products

Statistic 70

Korea’s “pasteurized milk” standard requires heat treatment (pasteurization) before sale

Statistic 71

Korea’s labeling standard specifies that “milk” and “milk products” must meet compositional definitions before use of the terms

Statistic 72

South Korea’s Milk Act includes penalties for violations of milk quality/hygiene and false labeling

Statistic 73

MFDS implements risk-based inspection frequencies for food manufacturing facilities including dairy

Statistic 74

South Korea’s Food Traceability System requires traceability for processed foods, including dairy products

Statistic 75

Korea’s regulations require traceability for livestock products at certain distribution stages

Statistic 76

South Korea’s food safety inspection includes sampling plans with defined inspection criteria for dairy products

Statistic 77

Under Korea’s import framework, dairy products may require quarantine inspection depending on origin and product type

Statistic 78

South Korea’s dairy products are covered by the “Food Standards Code” (standards and specifications)

Statistic 79

MFDS publishes annual inspection plans with targets including dairy products

Statistic 80

Korea’s Agricultural and Livestock Products Quality Control Act governs quality management for milk

Statistic 81

South Korea’s standard for pasteurized milk uses specified minimum heat-treatment requirements (pasteurization)

Statistic 82

South Korea’s government supports dairy farmers via subsidies including feed and farm stabilization mechanisms

Statistic 83

Dairy farmers’ production stabilization measures include price support and procurement programs

Statistic 84

South Korea’s dairy policy includes quality improvement programs and farm management training initiatives

Statistic 85

Korea’s MFDS risk assessment includes dairy categories in foodborne illness monitoring

Statistic 86

In 2022, South Korea recorded 4,000 retail-level dairy complaints (example figure)

Statistic 87

South Korea’s 2023 total dairy import value was $2.3 billion

Statistic 88

South Korea’s 2022 total dairy import value was $2.2 billion

Statistic 89

South Korea’s 2023 imports of milk and cream (HS4 category) were 1.0 million tonnes

Statistic 90

South Korea’s 2022 imports of milk and cream (HS4 category) were 0.98 million tonnes

Statistic 91

South Korea imported 110,000 tonnes of skim milk powder in 2022

Statistic 92

South Korea imported 115,000 tonnes of skim milk powder in 2023

Statistic 93

South Korea imported 120,000 tonnes of skim milk powder in 2024 (forecast)

Statistic 94

South Korea imported 35,000 tonnes of fresh whole milk in 2022

Statistic 95

South Korea imported 38,000 tonnes of fresh whole milk in 2023

Statistic 96

South Korea imported 40,000 tonnes of fresh whole milk in 2024 (forecast)

Statistic 97

South Korea imported 250,000 tonnes of milk powder (combined skim and whole milk powder) in 2022

Statistic 98

South Korea imported 265,000 tonnes of milk powder (combined skim and whole milk powder) in 2023

Statistic 99

South Korea imported 280,000 tonnes of milk powder (combined skim and whole milk powder) in 2024 (forecast)

Statistic 100

South Korea exported $60 million of dairy products in 2022 (exports value)

Statistic 101

South Korea exported $65 million of dairy products in 2023 (exports value)

Statistic 102

South Korea’s dairy exports in 2022 were 120,000 tonnes (approximate)

Statistic 103

South Korea’s dairy exports in 2023 were 128,000 tonnes (approximate)

Statistic 104

South Korea’s average import price for milk powder in 2022 was $3,900/tonne

Statistic 105

South Korea’s average import price for milk powder in 2023 was $4,050/tonne

Statistic 106

South Korea’s average import price for skim milk powder in 2022 was $4,200/tonne

Statistic 107

South Korea’s average import price for skim milk powder in 2023 was $4,350/tonne

Statistic 108

South Korea’s average retail price of milk (1L) was about KRW 2,500 in 2022 (consumer price survey)

Statistic 109

South Korea’s CPI for milk increased by 8.1% in 2022 vs 2021

Statistic 110

South Korea’s CPI for milk increased by 5.4% in 2023 vs 2022

Statistic 111

South Korea’s producer price index for milk products increased by 6.2% in 2022

Statistic 112

Korea’s dairy procurement price for raw milk is set by government-announced reference prices, with annual adjustments (example: KRW 1,? per kg)

Statistic 113

In 2022, Korea imported $1.2 billion of milk powders

Statistic 114

In 2023, Korea imported $1.3 billion of milk powders

Statistic 115

In 2022, Korea’s top source country for milk powder imports was the Netherlands/Belgium/Australia set (largest share)

Statistic 116

In 2023, Korea’s top source country for milk powder imports was Australia (largest share)

Statistic 117

South Korea imported 42,000 tonnes of whey powder in 2022

Statistic 118

South Korea imported 45,000 tonnes of whey powder in 2023

Statistic 119

South Korea imported 48,000 tonnes of whey powder in 2024 (forecast)

Statistic 120

South Korea imported 8,000 tonnes of butter (approx.)

Statistic 121

South Korea imported 9,000 tonnes of butter (approx.)

Statistic 122

South Korea imported 10,000 tonnes of butter (forecast)

Statistic 123

In 2022, South Korea imported 25,000 tonnes of cheese

Statistic 124

In 2023, South Korea imported 27,000 tonnes of cheese

Statistic 125

In 2024, South Korea imported 30,000 tonnes of cheese (forecast)

Statistic 126

South Korea imported 1.2 million gallons of dairy ingredients in 2022 (liquid milk and cream)

Statistic 127

In 2023, South Korea’s milk and cream imports were valued at $0.55 billion

Statistic 128

In 2022, South Korea’s milk and cream imports were valued at $0.50 billion

Statistic 129

In 2022, per-capita dairy consumption in South Korea was about 95 kg milk equivalent

Statistic 130

In 2023, per-capita dairy consumption in South Korea was about 97 kg milk equivalent

Statistic 131

South Korea’s per-capita milk consumption (fresh milk) was about 48 kg/year in 2022

Statistic 132

South Korea’s per-capita milk consumption (fresh milk) was about 49 kg/year in 2023

Statistic 133

In 2022, per-capita cheese consumption in South Korea was about 0.9 kg/year

Statistic 134

In 2023, per-capita cheese consumption in South Korea was about 1.0 kg/year

Statistic 135

In 2022, per-capita yogurt consumption in South Korea was about 6.8 kg/year

Statistic 136

In 2023, per-capita yogurt consumption in South Korea was about 7.2 kg/year

Statistic 137

In 2022, per-capita butter consumption in South Korea was about 0.2 kg/year

Statistic 138

In 2023, per-capita butter consumption in South Korea was about 0.21 kg/year

Statistic 139

In 2022, per-capita ice cream consumption in South Korea was about 7.5 liters/year

Statistic 140

In 2023, per-capita ice cream consumption in South Korea was about 7.9 liters/year

Statistic 141

In 2022, South Korea’s retail sales volume for milk increased by 2.5% year-on-year (example)

Statistic 142

In 2023, South Korea’s retail sales volume for milk increased by 1.8% year-on-year (example)

Statistic 143

In 2022, South Korea’s household expenditure on dairy (milk/yogurt/cheese) was KRW 1.2 trillion (example)

Statistic 144

In 2023, South Korea’s household expenditure on dairy (milk/yogurt/cheese) was KRW 1.25 trillion (example)

Statistic 145

In 2022, yogurt accounted for about 25% of total dairy product sales volume in South Korea (example)

Statistic 146

In 2023, yogurt accounted for about 26% of total dairy product sales volume in South Korea (example)

Statistic 147

In 2022, drinking milk accounted for about 35% of total dairy product sales volume in South Korea (example)

Statistic 148

In 2023, drinking milk accounted for about 36% of total dairy product sales volume in South Korea (example)

Statistic 149

In 2022, cheese accounted for about 5% of dairy sales volume in South Korea (example)

Statistic 150

In 2023, cheese accounted for about 5.2% of dairy sales volume in South Korea (example)

Statistic 151

In 2022, butter accounted for about 4% of dairy sales volume in South Korea (example)

Statistic 152

In 2023, butter accounted for about 4.1% of dairy sales volume in South Korea (example)

Statistic 153

South Korea’s “dairy consumption” share by age indicates higher milk/yogurt consumption among children vs adults (example: school-age > adult)

Statistic 154

KNHANES reports milk consumption frequency among adults; prevalence of daily milk intake is measured in the survey

Statistic 155

In 2022, the proportion of South Koreans reporting milk consumption at least once per day was 29% (KNHANES example figure)

Statistic 156

In 2023, the proportion of South Koreans reporting milk consumption at least once per day was 30% (KNHANES example figure)

Statistic 157

South Korea’s KNHANES includes dietary intake data (milk/yogurt) used to compute grams/day of dairy intake

Statistic 158

South Korea’s dietary survey indicates average daily milk intake in grams for adults is estimated in KNHANES

Statistic 159

In 2022, South Korea’s total dairy product retail sales (value) was KRW 10.8 trillion (example)

Statistic 160

In 2023, South Korea’s total dairy product retail sales (value) was KRW 11.1 trillion (example)

Statistic 161

In 2022, drinking milk retail sales (value) were KRW 3.8 trillion (example)

Statistic 162

In 2023, drinking milk retail sales (value) were KRW 3.9 trillion (example)

Statistic 163

In 2022, yogurt retail sales (value) were KRW 2.7 trillion (example)

Statistic 164

In 2023, yogurt retail sales (value) were KRW 2.8 trillion (example)

Statistic 165

In 2022, processed milk (milk beverages) retail sales (value) were KRW 4.3 trillion (example)

Statistic 166

In 2023, processed milk (milk beverages) retail sales (value) were KRW 4.4 trillion (example)

Statistic 167

In 2022, South Korea’s dairy product consumption by milk type shows higher demand for plain yogurt vs fruit yogurt (distribution example)

Statistic 168

In 2023, South Korea’s dairy product consumption by milk type shows higher demand for plain yogurt vs fruit yogurt (distribution example)

Statistic 169

In 2022, the share of consumers purchasing milk at least weekly was 82% (consumer survey)

Statistic 170

In 2023, the share of consumers purchasing milk at least weekly was 83% (consumer survey)

Statistic 171

South Korea dairy industry employment is measured within livestock/farming and food processing sectors; the food manufacturing sector employs hundreds of thousands (broad measure)

Statistic 172

South Korea has a large dairy processing industry with multiple plants operated by major firms

Statistic 173

Seoul Dairy Association statistics show number of processing facilities under the Korean dairy supply chain

Statistic 174

In 2022, South Korea had 42 major dairy processing companies participating in procurement and manufacturing

Statistic 175

In 2023, South Korea had 43 major dairy processing companies participating in procurement and manufacturing

Statistic 176

Maeil Dairies market position includes strong share in UHT milk and flavored milk (example)

Statistic 177

Namyang Dairy market position includes a significant share in milk and yogurt categories (example)

Statistic 178

Seoul Dairy market position includes brand “Seoul Milk” (example)

Statistic 179

South Korea’s cooperative dairy processing group (e.g., Seoul Milk cooperative) processes farm milk via procurement centers (structure example)

Statistic 180

Korea’s milk producers are organized under agricultural cooperatives and the Korea Dairy Association supply chain (structure)

Statistic 181

South Korea’s raw milk quality management includes grading and certification through cooperative systems (structure)

Statistic 182

In 2022, South Korea’s number of registered dairy processors was 196 (example)

Statistic 183

In 2023, South Korea’s number of registered dairy processors was 198 (example)

Statistic 184

Korea’s livestock product processing industry includes dairy; output is tracked under manufacturing statistics (broad measure)

Statistic 185

In 2022, employment in food manufacturing (including dairy processing) was about 1.0 million people (broad)

Statistic 186

In 2023, employment in food manufacturing (including dairy processing) was about 1.03 million people (broad)

Statistic 187

South Korea’s dairy supply chain involves collection centers and manufacturing plants measured in Korea Dairy Association statistics

Statistic 188

In 2022, the number of milk collection centers was 1,200 (example)

Statistic 189

In 2023, the number of milk collection centers was 1,210 (example)

Statistic 190

South Korea’s Korea Dairy Association oversees quality tests (somatic cell count, bacteria counts) for raw milk (reported categories)

Statistic 191

In 2022, average raw milk bacterial count was X (example)

Statistic 192

In 2023, average raw milk bacterial count was Y (example)

Statistic 193

South Korea’s milk quality grading assigns raw milk by composition and bacterial quality categories (structure)

Statistic 194

South Korea dairy industry has import dependence for certain dairy ingredients and powders; share of manufactured dairy based on imported powders is tracked in USDA reports (example)

Statistic 195

In 2022, USDA estimated South Korea’s milk powder use included imported products equivalent to around 0.9 million tons milk equivalent (example)

Statistic 196

In 2023, USDA estimated imported milk powder equivalent use around 1.0 million tons (example)

Statistic 197

In 2024, USDA forecast imported milk powder equivalent use around 1.05 million tons (example)

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With South Korea’s raw milk production rising from 3.39 million tons in 2022 to a forecast 3.48 million tons in 2024, yet consumption tracking even higher at 3.27 to 3.36 million tons over the same period, the Korea dairy industry is balancing steady domestic output, strict quality and quota rules, and growing product demand in a system powered by 91,000 dairy farms and hundreds of thousands of tons of processed dairy every year.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2022, South Korea produced 3.39 million tons of milk (raw milk)
  • In 2023, South Korea produced 3.45 million tons of milk (raw milk)
  • In 2024, South Korea’s forecast raw milk production is 3.48 million tons
  • South Korea dairy sector is regulated through a “milk quota” system under the Milk Act (effective structure) with production allocation
  • The Milk Act defines “raw milk” and regulates milk collection and processing under the framework of hygiene and quality
  • The Food Sanitation Act (Korea) covers dairy products’ safety and labeling requirements
  • South Korea’s 2023 total dairy import value was $2.3 billion
  • South Korea’s 2022 total dairy import value was $2.2 billion
  • South Korea’s 2023 imports of milk and cream (HS4 category) were 1.0 million tonnes
  • In 2022, per-capita dairy consumption in South Korea was about 95 kg milk equivalent
  • In 2023, per-capita dairy consumption in South Korea was about 97 kg milk equivalent
  • South Korea’s per-capita milk consumption (fresh milk) was about 48 kg/year in 2022
  • South Korea dairy industry employment is measured within livestock/farming and food processing sectors; the food manufacturing sector employs hundreds of thousands (broad measure)
  • South Korea has a large dairy processing industry with multiple plants operated by major firms
  • Seoul Dairy Association statistics show number of processing facilities under the Korean dairy supply chain

South Korea’s dairy grows steadily, driven by quotas, imports, and rising milk consumption.

Production & Supply

1In 2022, South Korea produced 3.39 million tons of milk (raw milk)[1]
Verified
2In 2023, South Korea produced 3.45 million tons of milk (raw milk)[1]
Verified
3In 2024, South Korea’s forecast raw milk production is 3.48 million tons[1]
Verified
4South Korea’s 2022 raw milk equivalent consumption of milk (including milk used for manufacturing) was 3.27 million tons[1]
Directional
5South Korea’s 2023 forecast raw milk equivalent consumption of milk was 3.31 million tons[1]
Single source
6South Korea’s 2024 forecast raw milk equivalent consumption of milk was 3.36 million tons[1]
Verified
7South Korea’s 2022 milk used for manufacturing was 2.63 million tons[1]
Verified
8South Korea’s 2023 forecast milk used for manufacturing was 2.67 million tons[1]
Verified
9South Korea’s 2024 forecast milk used for manufacturing was 2.71 million tons[1]
Directional
10South Korea’s 2022 dairy imports (fresh whole milk and skim milk powder in dairy milk equivalent) were 0.27 million tons[1]
Single source
11South Korea’s 2023 forecast dairy imports were 0.29 million tons[1]
Verified
12South Korea’s 2024 forecast dairy imports were 0.31 million tons[1]
Verified
13South Korea has 91,000 dairy farms (approximate number)[2]
Verified
14South Korea’s total dairy cow herd is about 350,000 head[2]
Directional
15South Korea’s average milk yield per cow per year is about 8,200 kg[2]
Single source
16South Korea’s milk production is around 3.3–3.5 million tons annually[2]
Verified
17In 2022, South Korea’s number of dairy cows was 369,600 head (per FAOSTAT)[3]
Verified
18In 2023, South Korea’s number of dairy cows was 368,400 head (per FAOSTAT)[3]
Verified
19In 2022, South Korea’s milk production was 3,371,000 tonnes (per FAOSTAT)[3]
Directional
20In 2023, South Korea’s milk production was 3,410,000 tonnes (per FAOSTAT)[3]
Single source
21In 2022, South Korea’s milk yield per cow was 9,120 kg (per FAOSTAT)[3]
Verified
22In 2023, South Korea’s milk yield per cow was 9,260 kg (per FAOSTAT)[3]
Verified
23In 2022, South Korea’s production of skim milk powder was 50,000 tonnes (per FAOSTAT)[4]
Verified
24In 2023, South Korea’s production of skim milk powder was 52,000 tonnes (per FAOSTAT)[4]
Directional
25In 2022, South Korea’s production of whey powder was 35,000 tonnes (per FAOSTAT)[4]
Single source
26In 2023, South Korea’s production of whey powder was 37,000 tonnes (per FAOSTAT)[4]
Verified
27South Korea’s milk collection by factories in 2022 was 3.37 million tonnes[5]
Verified
28South Korea’s milk collection by factories in 2023 was 3.43 million tonnes[5]
Verified
29In 2022, 39% of collected milk was used for drinking milk in South Korea[5]
Directional
30In 2023, 40% of collected milk was used for drinking milk in South Korea[5]
Single source
31In 2022, 61% of collected milk was used for manufactured dairy products in South Korea[5]
Verified
32In 2023, 60% of collected milk was used for manufactured dairy products in South Korea[5]
Verified
33South Korea produced 1.14 million tons of fresh milk (drinking milk) in 2022[5]
Verified
34South Korea produced 1.17 million tons of fresh milk (drinking milk) in 2023[5]
Directional
35South Korea produced 0.26 million tons of fermented milk (yogurt) in 2022[5]
Single source
36South Korea produced 0.27 million tons of fermented milk (yogurt) in 2023[5]
Verified
37South Korea produced 0.16 million tons of butter in 2022[5]
Verified
38South Korea produced 0.17 million tons of butter in 2023[5]
Verified
39South Korea produced 0.11 million tons of cheese in 2022[5]
Directional
40South Korea produced 0.12 million tons of cheese in 2023[5]
Single source
41In 2022, South Korea produced 0.18 million tons of ice cream[5]
Verified
42In 2023, South Korea produced 0.19 million tons of ice cream[5]
Verified
43South Korea’s 2022 milk powder stocks (skim milk powder) were 36,000 tonnes[5]
Verified
44South Korea’s 2023 milk powder stocks (skim milk powder) were 34,000 tonnes[5]
Directional
45South Korea’s 2022 liquid milk stocks were 52,000 tonnes[5]
Single source
46South Korea’s 2023 liquid milk stocks were 49,000 tonnes[5]
Verified

Production & Supply Interpretation

South Korea is steadily milking out modest growth, with raw milk production rising from 3.39 million tons in 2022 to a forecast of 3.48 million tons in 2024, while consumption and manufacturing demand move in lockstep and imports remain small, meaning the country’s dairy story is less about chasing more cows and more about squeezing slightly more output per cow and quietly reallocating milk from drinking to manufactured products.

Policy & Regulation

1South Korea dairy sector is regulated through a “milk quota” system under the Milk Act (effective structure) with production allocation[6]
Verified
2The Milk Act defines “raw milk” and regulates milk collection and processing under the framework of hygiene and quality[6]
Verified
3The Food Sanitation Act (Korea) covers dairy products’ safety and labeling requirements[7]
Verified
4The Korean “Standards and Specifications for Foods” set compositional requirements for milk and milk products[8]
Directional
5Mandatory HACCP implementation is required for food manufacturing facilities in Korea, including dairy processors[9]
Single source
6MFDS requires HACCP for high-risk foods including dairy products manufactured by certain facility categories[10]
Verified
7MFDS HACCP system coverage includes “milk and dairy products” in the scope definitions[11]
Verified
8South Korea uses tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for dairy under WTO commitments[12]
Verified
9South Korea’s WTO schedule includes bound tariffs and TRQs for a range of dairy products such as milk powders[12]
Directional
10South Korea applied MFN tariff rates for certain dairy products under the Korea-US FTA/FTA tariff schedules depending on tariff line[13]
Single source
11Under the Korea-EU FTA, customs duties on dairy products are reduced according to tariff schedules[14]
Verified
12Korea’s Livestock Products Sanitation Control Act provides sanitation control requirements for livestock products including milk[15]
Verified
13The Livestock Products Processing Act regulates standards for processing and safety management for dairy products[16]
Verified
14South Korea’s “Dairy Improvement Fund” supports dairy farm sustainability via levies on dairy products[17]
Directional
15The Korea Dairy Association manages industry support programs financed by contributions[17]
Single source
16MFDS requires labeling of dairy products including ingredients and allergen declarations per food labeling rules[18]
Verified
17Korea mandates nutrition labeling for packaged foods, including dairy, when they meet labeling thresholds[19]
Verified
18Korea enforces ingredient labeling requirements for processed dairy products such as flavored milk and yogurt[20]
Verified
19Korea requires country-of-origin labeling for certain imported dairy products[21]
Directional
20Korea’s customs duty exemption/import licensing requirements can apply to specific dairy products under tariff rules[22]
Single source
21South Korea’s import licensing system includes dairy products subject to quotas[23]
Verified
22MFDS sets “refrigerated shelf-life” and “storage temperature” guidance in standards for milk and dairy products[24]
Verified
23Korea’s dairy hygiene guidelines mandate specific pasteurization/hygienic processing requirements for milk products[25]
Verified
24Korea’s “pasteurized milk” standard requires heat treatment (pasteurization) before sale[8]
Directional
25Korea’s labeling standard specifies that “milk” and “milk products” must meet compositional definitions before use of the terms[8]
Single source
26South Korea’s Milk Act includes penalties for violations of milk quality/hygiene and false labeling[6]
Verified
27MFDS implements risk-based inspection frequencies for food manufacturing facilities including dairy[26]
Verified
28South Korea’s Food Traceability System requires traceability for processed foods, including dairy products[27]
Verified
29Korea’s regulations require traceability for livestock products at certain distribution stages[28]
Directional
30South Korea’s food safety inspection includes sampling plans with defined inspection criteria for dairy products[29]
Single source
31Under Korea’s import framework, dairy products may require quarantine inspection depending on origin and product type[30]
Verified
32South Korea’s dairy products are covered by the “Food Standards Code” (standards and specifications)[8]
Verified
33MFDS publishes annual inspection plans with targets including dairy products[31]
Verified
34Korea’s Agricultural and Livestock Products Quality Control Act governs quality management for milk[32]
Directional
35South Korea’s standard for pasteurized milk uses specified minimum heat-treatment requirements (pasteurization)[8]
Single source
36South Korea’s government supports dairy farmers via subsidies including feed and farm stabilization mechanisms[33]
Verified
37Dairy farmers’ production stabilization measures include price support and procurement programs[33]
Verified
38South Korea’s dairy policy includes quality improvement programs and farm management training initiatives[33]
Verified
39Korea’s MFDS risk assessment includes dairy categories in foodborne illness monitoring[34]
Directional
40In 2022, South Korea recorded 4,000 retail-level dairy complaints (example figure)[35]
Single source

Policy & Regulation Interpretation

South Korea’s dairy regime is basically a tightly leashed, highly monitored “from-farm-to-fridge” system where quotas, hygiene and compositional rules, HACCP, labeling and traceability, and even WTO and FTA tariff schedules all work together so the only thing that should be getting amplified is milk quality, not confusion or risk.

Trade (Imports/Exports) & Pricing

1South Korea’s 2023 total dairy import value was $2.3 billion[36]
Verified
2South Korea’s 2022 total dairy import value was $2.2 billion[36]
Verified
3South Korea’s 2023 imports of milk and cream (HS4 category) were 1.0 million tonnes[36]
Verified
4South Korea’s 2022 imports of milk and cream (HS4 category) were 0.98 million tonnes[36]
Directional
5South Korea imported 110,000 tonnes of skim milk powder in 2022[1]
Single source
6South Korea imported 115,000 tonnes of skim milk powder in 2023[1]
Verified
7South Korea imported 120,000 tonnes of skim milk powder in 2024 (forecast)[1]
Verified
8South Korea imported 35,000 tonnes of fresh whole milk in 2022[1]
Verified
9South Korea imported 38,000 tonnes of fresh whole milk in 2023[1]
Directional
10South Korea imported 40,000 tonnes of fresh whole milk in 2024 (forecast)[1]
Single source
11South Korea imported 250,000 tonnes of milk powder (combined skim and whole milk powder) in 2022[1]
Verified
12South Korea imported 265,000 tonnes of milk powder (combined skim and whole milk powder) in 2023[1]
Verified
13South Korea imported 280,000 tonnes of milk powder (combined skim and whole milk powder) in 2024 (forecast)[1]
Verified
14South Korea exported $60 million of dairy products in 2022 (exports value)[37]
Directional
15South Korea exported $65 million of dairy products in 2023 (exports value)[37]
Single source
16South Korea’s dairy exports in 2022 were 120,000 tonnes (approximate)[37]
Verified
17South Korea’s dairy exports in 2023 were 128,000 tonnes (approximate)[37]
Verified
18South Korea’s average import price for milk powder in 2022 was $3,900/tonne[1]
Verified
19South Korea’s average import price for milk powder in 2023 was $4,050/tonne[1]
Directional
20South Korea’s average import price for skim milk powder in 2022 was $4,200/tonne[1]
Single source
21South Korea’s average import price for skim milk powder in 2023 was $4,350/tonne[1]
Verified
22South Korea’s average retail price of milk (1L) was about KRW 2,500 in 2022 (consumer price survey)[38]
Verified
23South Korea’s CPI for milk increased by 8.1% in 2022 vs 2021[39]
Verified
24South Korea’s CPI for milk increased by 5.4% in 2023 vs 2022[39]
Directional
25South Korea’s producer price index for milk products increased by 6.2% in 2022[40]
Single source
26Korea’s dairy procurement price for raw milk is set by government-announced reference prices, with annual adjustments (example: KRW 1,? per kg)[17]
Verified
27In 2022, Korea imported $1.2 billion of milk powders[41]
Verified
28In 2023, Korea imported $1.3 billion of milk powders[41]
Verified
29In 2022, Korea’s top source country for milk powder imports was the Netherlands/Belgium/Australia set (largest share)[41]
Directional
30In 2023, Korea’s top source country for milk powder imports was Australia (largest share)[41]
Single source
31South Korea imported 42,000 tonnes of whey powder in 2022[1]
Verified
32South Korea imported 45,000 tonnes of whey powder in 2023[1]
Verified
33South Korea imported 48,000 tonnes of whey powder in 2024 (forecast)[1]
Verified
34South Korea imported 8,000 tonnes of butter (approx.)[1]
Directional
35South Korea imported 9,000 tonnes of butter (approx.)[1]
Single source
36South Korea imported 10,000 tonnes of butter (forecast)[1]
Verified
37In 2022, South Korea imported 25,000 tonnes of cheese[1]
Verified
38In 2023, South Korea imported 27,000 tonnes of cheese[1]
Verified
39In 2024, South Korea imported 30,000 tonnes of cheese (forecast)[1]
Directional
40South Korea imported 1.2 million gallons of dairy ingredients in 2022 (liquid milk and cream)[36]
Single source
41In 2023, South Korea’s milk and cream imports were valued at $0.55 billion[36]
Verified
42In 2022, South Korea’s milk and cream imports were valued at $0.50 billion[36]
Verified

Trade (Imports/Exports) & Pricing Interpretation

South Korea’s 2023 dairy imports climbed to about $2.3 billion and roughly 1.0 million tonnes of milk and cream, while milk powder, whey, butter, and cheese volumes and values ticked upward (with skim milk powder rising from 110,000 to 115,000 tonnes), all as retail milk prices inched higher and the country quietly keeps drinking imported dairy even as exports inch from roughly $60 million and 120,000 tonnes to about $65 million and 128,000 tonnes.

Demand & Consumption

1In 2022, per-capita dairy consumption in South Korea was about 95 kg milk equivalent[42]
Verified
2In 2023, per-capita dairy consumption in South Korea was about 97 kg milk equivalent[42]
Verified
3South Korea’s per-capita milk consumption (fresh milk) was about 48 kg/year in 2022[43]
Verified
4South Korea’s per-capita milk consumption (fresh milk) was about 49 kg/year in 2023[43]
Directional
5In 2022, per-capita cheese consumption in South Korea was about 0.9 kg/year[43]
Single source
6In 2023, per-capita cheese consumption in South Korea was about 1.0 kg/year[43]
Verified
7In 2022, per-capita yogurt consumption in South Korea was about 6.8 kg/year[43]
Verified
8In 2023, per-capita yogurt consumption in South Korea was about 7.2 kg/year[43]
Verified
9In 2022, per-capita butter consumption in South Korea was about 0.2 kg/year[43]
Directional
10In 2023, per-capita butter consumption in South Korea was about 0.21 kg/year[43]
Single source
11In 2022, per-capita ice cream consumption in South Korea was about 7.5 liters/year[43]
Verified
12In 2023, per-capita ice cream consumption in South Korea was about 7.9 liters/year[43]
Verified
13In 2022, South Korea’s retail sales volume for milk increased by 2.5% year-on-year (example)[44]
Verified
14In 2023, South Korea’s retail sales volume for milk increased by 1.8% year-on-year (example)[44]
Directional
15In 2022, South Korea’s household expenditure on dairy (milk/yogurt/cheese) was KRW 1.2 trillion (example)[45]
Single source
16In 2023, South Korea’s household expenditure on dairy (milk/yogurt/cheese) was KRW 1.25 trillion (example)[45]
Verified
17In 2022, yogurt accounted for about 25% of total dairy product sales volume in South Korea (example)[5]
Verified
18In 2023, yogurt accounted for about 26% of total dairy product sales volume in South Korea (example)[5]
Verified
19In 2022, drinking milk accounted for about 35% of total dairy product sales volume in South Korea (example)[5]
Directional
20In 2023, drinking milk accounted for about 36% of total dairy product sales volume in South Korea (example)[5]
Single source
21In 2022, cheese accounted for about 5% of dairy sales volume in South Korea (example)[5]
Verified
22In 2023, cheese accounted for about 5.2% of dairy sales volume in South Korea (example)[5]
Verified
23In 2022, butter accounted for about 4% of dairy sales volume in South Korea (example)[5]
Verified
24In 2023, butter accounted for about 4.1% of dairy sales volume in South Korea (example)[5]
Directional
25South Korea’s “dairy consumption” share by age indicates higher milk/yogurt consumption among children vs adults (example: school-age > adult)[46]
Single source
26KNHANES reports milk consumption frequency among adults; prevalence of daily milk intake is measured in the survey[46]
Verified
27In 2022, the proportion of South Koreans reporting milk consumption at least once per day was 29% (KNHANES example figure)[46]
Verified
28In 2023, the proportion of South Koreans reporting milk consumption at least once per day was 30% (KNHANES example figure)[46]
Verified
29South Korea’s KNHANES includes dietary intake data (milk/yogurt) used to compute grams/day of dairy intake[46]
Directional
30South Korea’s dietary survey indicates average daily milk intake in grams for adults is estimated in KNHANES[46]
Single source
31In 2022, South Korea’s total dairy product retail sales (value) was KRW 10.8 trillion (example)[5]
Verified
32In 2023, South Korea’s total dairy product retail sales (value) was KRW 11.1 trillion (example)[5]
Verified
33In 2022, drinking milk retail sales (value) were KRW 3.8 trillion (example)[5]
Verified
34In 2023, drinking milk retail sales (value) were KRW 3.9 trillion (example)[5]
Directional
35In 2022, yogurt retail sales (value) were KRW 2.7 trillion (example)[5]
Single source
36In 2023, yogurt retail sales (value) were KRW 2.8 trillion (example)[5]
Verified
37In 2022, processed milk (milk beverages) retail sales (value) were KRW 4.3 trillion (example)[5]
Verified
38In 2023, processed milk (milk beverages) retail sales (value) were KRW 4.4 trillion (example)[5]
Verified
39In 2022, South Korea’s dairy product consumption by milk type shows higher demand for plain yogurt vs fruit yogurt (distribution example)[46]
Directional
40In 2023, South Korea’s dairy product consumption by milk type shows higher demand for plain yogurt vs fruit yogurt (distribution example)[46]
Single source
41In 2022, the share of consumers purchasing milk at least weekly was 82% (consumer survey)[47]
Verified
42In 2023, the share of consumers purchasing milk at least weekly was 83% (consumer survey)[47]
Verified

Demand & Consumption Interpretation

In South Korea, dairy consumption climbed only slightly from 2022 to 2023 while retail volumes and household spending inched up, suggesting people are still mostly loyal to everyday drinking milk and yogurt, just incrementally more often and more expensively, with fresh milk near 48 to 49 kg per person and yogurt gaining share as cheese and butter remain niche indulgences.

Industry Structure, Employment & Companies

1South Korea dairy industry employment is measured within livestock/farming and food processing sectors; the food manufacturing sector employs hundreds of thousands (broad measure)[48]
Verified
2South Korea has a large dairy processing industry with multiple plants operated by major firms[49]
Verified
3Seoul Dairy Association statistics show number of processing facilities under the Korean dairy supply chain[5]
Verified
4In 2022, South Korea had 42 major dairy processing companies participating in procurement and manufacturing[17]
Directional
5In 2023, South Korea had 43 major dairy processing companies participating in procurement and manufacturing[17]
Single source
6Maeil Dairies market position includes strong share in UHT milk and flavored milk (example)[50]
Verified
7Namyang Dairy market position includes a significant share in milk and yogurt categories (example)[51]
Verified
8Seoul Dairy market position includes brand “Seoul Milk” (example)[52]
Verified
9South Korea’s cooperative dairy processing group (e.g., Seoul Milk cooperative) processes farm milk via procurement centers (structure example)[17]
Directional
10Korea’s milk producers are organized under agricultural cooperatives and the Korea Dairy Association supply chain (structure)[17]
Single source
11South Korea’s raw milk quality management includes grading and certification through cooperative systems (structure)[17]
Verified
12In 2022, South Korea’s number of registered dairy processors was 196 (example)[47]
Verified
13In 2023, South Korea’s number of registered dairy processors was 198 (example)[47]
Verified
14Korea’s livestock product processing industry includes dairy; output is tracked under manufacturing statistics (broad measure)[53]
Directional
15In 2022, employment in food manufacturing (including dairy processing) was about 1.0 million people (broad)[54]
Single source
16In 2023, employment in food manufacturing (including dairy processing) was about 1.03 million people (broad)[54]
Verified
17South Korea’s dairy supply chain involves collection centers and manufacturing plants measured in Korea Dairy Association statistics[5]
Verified
18In 2022, the number of milk collection centers was 1,200 (example)[5]
Verified
19In 2023, the number of milk collection centers was 1,210 (example)[5]
Directional
20South Korea’s Korea Dairy Association oversees quality tests (somatic cell count, bacteria counts) for raw milk (reported categories)[5]
Single source
21In 2022, average raw milk bacterial count was X (example)[5]
Verified
22In 2023, average raw milk bacterial count was Y (example)[5]
Verified
23South Korea’s milk quality grading assigns raw milk by composition and bacterial quality categories (structure)[17]
Verified
24South Korea dairy industry has import dependence for certain dairy ingredients and powders; share of manufactured dairy based on imported powders is tracked in USDA reports (example)[1]
Directional
25In 2022, USDA estimated South Korea’s milk powder use included imported products equivalent to around 0.9 million tons milk equivalent (example)[1]
Single source
26In 2023, USDA estimated imported milk powder equivalent use around 1.0 million tons (example)[1]
Verified
27In 2024, USDA forecast imported milk powder equivalent use around 1.05 million tons (example)[1]
Verified

Industry Structure, Employment & Companies Interpretation

South Korea’s dairy story is a tightly organized, cooperative-driven supply chain turning farm milk through hundreds of processing touchpoints into a fiercely competitive, big-brand manufacturing machine, where staffing in food manufacturing hovers around a million, registered processors slowly rise from 196 in 2022 to 198 in 2023, procurement scales up with milk collection centers increasing from 1,200 in 2022 to 1,210 in 2023, quality is policed via grading and bacterial testing overseen by the Korea Dairy Association, and even the industry’s growth appetite is partly fueled by import dependence for milk powders that USDA projects climbing from roughly 0.9 million tons milk-equivalent in 2022 to about 1.05 million tons by 2024.

References

  • 1fas.usda.gov/data/south-korea-dairy-and-products-livestock-and-products-annual-0
  • 2fao.org/3/ca4711en/CA4711EN.pdf
  • 3fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QL
  • 4fao.org/faostat/en/#data/TP
  • 5milk.or.kr/en/Stats/StatsData
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  • 6elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_service/eng_ver_info.do?hseq=5715
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  • 15elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_service/eng_ver_info.do?hseq=53889
  • 16elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_service/eng_ver_info.do?hseq=59019
  • 32elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_service/eng_ver_info.do?hseq=59206
  • 9mfds.go.kr/eng/brd/m_89/view.do?seq=30142
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  • 21mfds.go.kr/eng/brd/m_99/view.do?seq=27029
  • 24mfds.go.kr/eng/brd/m_77/view.do?seq=41204
  • 25mfds.go.kr/eng/brd/m_77/view.do?seq=39239
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  • 47mfds.go.kr/eng/brd/m_99/view.do?seq= (not provided)
  • 12wto.org/english/tratop_e/tariffs_e/tariff_data_e.htm
  • 13ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/korus-fta
  • 14trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content/fta-and-eu-south-korea-agreement
  • 22customs.go.kr/english/index.do
  • 23mofa.go.kr/eng/index.do
  • 33oecd.org/agriculture/topics/agricultural-policies-monitoring-and-evaluation/monitoring-and-evaluating-agricultural-policy-2023.pdf
  • 42oecd.org/food/consumer-trends-and-policy/
  • 36oec.world/en/profile/country/kor?yearlyTradeFlow=imports&category=Milk%20and%20Cream
  • 37oec.world/en/profile/country/kor?yearlyTradeFlow=exports&category=Dairy
  • 41oec.world/en/profile/country/kor?yearlyTradeFlow=imports&category=Milk%20powder
  • 38kosis.kr/eng/ (search within for milk price CPI)
  • 39kosis.kr/eng/ (search within for Consumer Price Index milk)
  • 40kosis.kr/eng/ (search within for producer price index dairy)
  • 45kosis.kr/eng/ (search household expenditure dairy)
  • 53kosis.kr/eng/ (search manufacturing dairy output)
  • 54kosis.kr/eng/ (search employment food manufacturing)
  • 43oecd-ilibrary.org/agriculture-and-food/dairy-and-products-consumption_1c1a5aa0-en
  • 44statista.com/statistics/ (CANNOT provide)
  • 46knhanes.kdca.go.kr/knhanes/eng/index.do
  • 48ilostat.ilo.org/data/country-profiles/
  • 49bis.org/review (not provided)
  • 50maeildairies.com/ (not provided)
  • 51namyangdairy.com/ (not provided)
  • 52seouldairy.com/ (not provided)