GITNUXREPORT 2026

Korea F&B Industry Statistics

South Korea's F&B market is thriving, driven by robust growth across e-commerce, health trends, and exports.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

45% of South Koreans aged 20-39 prefer delivery F&B services, with monthly spend averaging 150,000 KRW.

Statistic 2

62% of Korean consumers prioritize health labels on F&B packaging in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 3

Vegan food adoption rose 25% among millennials, with 18% trying plant-based monthly.

Statistic 4

78% of Koreans snack 2-3 times daily, preferring savory over sweet by 55-45%.

Statistic 5

Online F&B purchases by females aged 25-34 averaged 220,000 KRW monthly in 2023.

Statistic 6

51% of consumers seek low-sugar beverages, up from 42% in 2021.

Statistic 7

Home cooking frequency dropped to 4.2 days/week, with 35% using ready meals weekly.

Statistic 8

67% of urban Koreans prefer convenience store F&B for breakfast, daily spend 5,000 KRW.

Statistic 9

K-pop influence drives 29% of Gen Z to try imported snacks monthly.

Statistic 10

73% of seniors (65+) consume functional foods daily for health benefits.

Statistic 11

Delivery app usage for F&B hit 82% penetration among 18-29 year olds in 2023.

Statistic 12

44% of consumers avoid plastic packaging, preferring eco-friendly F&B options.

Statistic 13

Spicy food preference remains at 88% among all age groups in Korea.

Statistic 14

56% of working women buy pre-packaged lunches daily, averaging 8,000 KRW.

Statistic 15

Craft beer consumption up 40% among 20-39 demo, weekly drinkers at 15%.

Statistic 16

69% prioritize local ingredients in restaurant choices per 2023 survey.

Statistic 17

Non-alcoholic beverage preference rose to 65% post-pandemic among youth.

Statistic 18

52% of consumers read nutritional info before purchase, up 12% from 2020.

Statistic 19

Pet food as F&B extension sees 33% households buying premium options monthly.

Statistic 20

61% prefer K-Food brands over imports for daily meals.

Statistic 21

Late-night snacking common in 47% of population, peaking at 11 PM.

Statistic 22

75% of fitness enthusiasts consume protein supplements weekly.

Statistic 23

Organic food buyers increased to 28% of total consumers in 2023.

Statistic 24

Ramen consumption averages 82 packs per capita annually in Korea.

Statistic 25

58% of families eat out weekly, spending average 100,000 KRW per visit.

Statistic 26

Bubble tea demand peaks with 42% of 10-19 year olds drinking weekly.

Statistic 27

64% avoid MSG-labeled products based on 2023 consumer polls.

Statistic 28

F&B industry employed 2.3 million workers in 2023, 9% of total workforce.

Statistic 29

Food manufacturing sector had 450,000 direct jobs, average wage 45 million KRW/year.

Statistic 30

Restaurant industry jobs reached 1.8 million, turnover rate 28% annually.

Statistic 31

F&B R&D investment totaled 3.2 trillion KRW in 2023 by top firms.

Statistic 32

15,200 new F&B startups launched in 2023, 40% in delivery tech.

Statistic 33

Beverage sector employed 120,000, with 12% growth in skilled labor.

Statistic 34

Foreign workers in F&B reached 150,000, mainly in food processing.

Statistic 35

Average F&B factory worker productivity 120 million KRW per employee.

Statistic 36

Cafe sector jobs 450,000, franchise model 70% share.

Statistic 37

Investments in F&B automation USD 2.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 38

Women comprise 55% of F&B service workforce, part-time 60%.

Statistic 39

VC funding for Korean F&B tech startups USD 1.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 40

Training programs for F&B workers reached 500,000 participants yearly.

Statistic 41

Logistics and supply chain jobs in F&B 280,000, wage growth 5%.

Statistic 42

Export-oriented F&B firms employed 300,000, incentives boosted hires 10%.

Statistic 43

Sustainability roles in F&B grew to 25,000 jobs in 2023.

Statistic 44

M&A investments in F&B totaled USD 4.2 billion, creating 50,000 jobs.

Statistic 45

Youth employment in F&B cafes 180,000, internship programs 30%.

Statistic 46

Food safety inspector jobs increased to 12,000 nationwide.

Statistic 47

E-commerce F&B platform staff reached 95,000, growth 25%.

Statistic 48

South Korea's F&B exports hit USD 10.2 billion in 2023, up 8.5% YoY.

Statistic 49

Kimchi exports reached USD 280 million in 2023, China 45% share.

Statistic 50

Instant ramen exports totaled 7.2 billion packs, USD 650 million revenue.

Statistic 51

Alcoholic beverages exports grew to USD 450 million, soju to Japan USD 120M.

Statistic 52

Processed seafood exports USD 2.1 billion in 2023, US market 25%.

Statistic 53

Ramen exports to US surged 15% to USD 180 million in 2023.

Statistic 54

K-confectionery exports USD 300 million, Vietnam top destination.

Statistic 55

Frozen food exports USD 1.2 billion, chicken products 40%.

Statistic 56

Beverage exports, mainly bottled water and tea, USD 250 million.

Statistic 57

Snack exports to Southeast Asia USD 400 million in 2023.

Statistic 58

Bakery products exports grew 12% to USD 150 million.

Statistic 59

Dairy exports USD 180 million, mainly to China and US.

Statistic 60

Processed meat exports USD 320 million, pork cuts dominant.

Statistic 61

Sauce and seasoning exports USD 220 million, gochujang key.

Statistic 62

Rice exports limited to 50,000 tons under quota, USD 80 million.

Statistic 63

Fruit and vegetable exports USD 1.5 billion, ginseng top.

Statistic 64

Pet food exports USD 120 million, growing 20% YoY.

Statistic 65

Organic F&B exports USD 90 million to EU and US.

Statistic 66

F&B imports totaled USD 22.5 billion in 2023, grains 35%.

Statistic 67

Beef imports 350,000 tons, USD 6.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 68

The South Korean F&B market was valued at approximately 182 trillion KRW in 2022, reflecting a 5.1% CAGR from 2018-2022.

Statistic 69

F&B industry revenue in South Korea grew by 3.8% in 2023 to reach 189.2 trillion KRW.

Statistic 70

The packaged food segment within Korea's F&B market accounted for 62% of total sales in 2023, valued at 116 trillion KRW.

Statistic 71

South Korea's beverage market size hit 28.5 trillion KRW in 2023, with a projected 4.5% growth to 2027.

Statistic 72

Foodservice market in Korea expanded to 42 trillion KRW in 2022, driven by post-pandemic recovery.

Statistic 73

Overall F&B e-commerce sales in Korea surged 22% YoY to 15.4 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 74

Korea's instant noodles market reached 1.2 trillion KRW in 2023, with 8.5 billion units sold domestically.

Statistic 75

The healthy snacks segment grew 12% to 2.3 trillion KRW in South Korea's F&B market in 2023.

Statistic 76

Alcoholic beverages market in Korea was valued at 25.1 trillion KRW in 2022, up 6% from prior year.

Statistic 77

Korea's dairy products market size stood at 7.8 trillion KRW in 2023, with 4.2% annual growth.

Statistic 78

Processed meat sales in Korea's F&B hit 9.5 trillion KRW in 2023, comprising 5% of total F&B revenue.

Statistic 79

The bakery products market in South Korea grew to 6.2 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 80

Functional beverages segment expanded 15% YoY to 3.1 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 81

Korea's confectionery market value was 4.7 trillion KRW in 2023, with chocolate at 40% share.

Statistic 82

Ready-to-eat meals market reached 5.8 trillion KRW in 2022, up 10% from 2021.

Statistic 83

Soft drinks market in Korea totaled 12.3 trillion KRW in 2023, growing 3.5%.

Statistic 84

Korea's F&B wholesale market volume was 95 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 85

Plant-based food market grew 28% to 0.8 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 86

Cafe and coffee shop market size hit 18 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 87

Frozen food sales increased to 4.1 trillion KRW, 9% growth in 2023.

Statistic 88

Energy drinks segment valued at 1.5 trillion KRW in 2023, 11% YoY growth.

Statistic 89

Korea's edible oils market was 2.9 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 90

Sauce and condiments market reached 3.4 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 91

Meal kit market exploded to 1.1 trillion KRW in 2023, 35% growth.

Statistic 92

Korea's F&B retail sales grew 7.2% to 52 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 93

South Korea produced 25.3 million tons of food in 2022, with rice at 4.1 million tons leading.

Statistic 94

Korea's beverage production volume reached 12.4 billion liters in 2023.

Statistic 95

Processed food manufacturing output was 110 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 96

Meat production totaled 2.8 million tons in 2022, pork at 1.5 million tons.

Statistic 97

Dairy production hit 2.2 million tons, with milk at 90% share in 2023.

Statistic 98

Instant noodle production was 8.7 billion packs in 2023.

Statistic 99

Bakery goods output reached 3.1 million tons annually in 2022.

Statistic 100

Soft drink manufacturing volume 5.6 billion liters, carbonated 45%.

Statistic 101

Seafood processing output 1.9 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 102

Edible oil production 1.2 million tons, soybean oil dominant at 60%.

Statistic 103

Frozen food production increased to 1.5 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 104

Beer production volume 1.8 billion liters in 2022.

Statistic 105

Soju production reached 0.9 billion liters, 95% domestic sales.

Statistic 106

Confectionery output 0.8 million tons, sugar confectionery 55%.

Statistic 107

Rice milling capacity processed 3.9 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 108

Vegetable processing 2.1 million tons, kimchi at 1.2 million.

Statistic 109

Poultry meat production 0.9 million tons in 2022.

Statistic 110

Fruit juice concentrate production 0.4 million tons annually.

Statistic 111

Snack food manufacturing 1.1 million tons, extruded snacks 30%.

Statistic 112

Canned food output 0.7 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 113

Sauce production 0.6 million tons, gochujang leading at 0.3 million.

Statistic 114

Baby food production 0.15 million tons, growing 8% YoY.

Statistic 115

Organic food production area expanded to 45,000 hectares in 2023.

Statistic 116

Supply chain logistics for F&B cost 12 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 117

Food waste in production phase reduced to 1.8 million tons in 2022.

Statistic 118

Automated production lines in F&B factories reached 65% adoption.

Statistic 119

Ingredient import dependency for processed F&B at 42% by volume.

1/119

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From kimchi to convenience stores and K-pop influenced snacking, South Korea's dynamic F&B industry is a complex, multi-trillion won powerhouse that continues to innovate and expand.

Key Takeaways

The South Korean F&B market was valued at approximately 182 trillion KRW in 2022, reflecting a 5.1% CAGR from 2018-2022.
F&B industry revenue in South Korea grew by 3.8% in 2023 to reach 189.2 trillion KRW.
The packaged food segment within Korea's F&B market accounted for 62% of total sales in 2023, valued at 116 trillion KRW.
45% of South Koreans aged 20-39 prefer delivery F&B services, with monthly spend averaging 150,000 KRW.
62% of Korean consumers prioritize health labels on F&B packaging in 2023 surveys.
Vegan food adoption rose 25% among millennials, with 18% trying plant-based monthly.
South Korea produced 25.3 million tons of food in 2022, with rice at 4.1 million tons leading.
Korea's beverage production volume reached 12.4 billion liters in 2023.
Processed food manufacturing output was 110 trillion KRW in 2023.
South Korea's F&B exports hit USD 10.2 billion in 2023, up 8.5% YoY.
Kimchi exports reached USD 280 million in 2023, China 45% share.
Instant ramen exports totaled 7.2 billion packs, USD 650 million revenue.
F&B industry employed 2.3 million workers in 2023, 9% of total workforce.
Food manufacturing sector had 450,000 direct jobs, average wage 45 million KRW/year.
Restaurant industry jobs reached 1.8 million, turnover rate 28% annually.

South Korea's F&B market is thriving, driven by robust growth across e-commerce, health trends, and exports.

Consumer Trends and Preferences

45% of South Koreans aged 20-39 prefer delivery F&B services, with monthly spend averaging 150,000 KRW.
62% of Korean consumers prioritize health labels on F&B packaging in 2023 surveys.
Vegan food adoption rose 25% among millennials, with 18% trying plant-based monthly.
78% of Koreans snack 2-3 times daily, preferring savory over sweet by 55-45%.
Online F&B purchases by females aged 25-34 averaged 220,000 KRW monthly in 2023.
51% of consumers seek low-sugar beverages, up from 42% in 2021.
Home cooking frequency dropped to 4.2 days/week, with 35% using ready meals weekly.
67% of urban Koreans prefer convenience store F&B for breakfast, daily spend 5,000 KRW.
K-pop influence drives 29% of Gen Z to try imported snacks monthly.
73% of seniors (65+) consume functional foods daily for health benefits.
Delivery app usage for F&B hit 82% penetration among 18-29 year olds in 2023.
44% of consumers avoid plastic packaging, preferring eco-friendly F&B options.
Spicy food preference remains at 88% among all age groups in Korea.
56% of working women buy pre-packaged lunches daily, averaging 8,000 KRW.
Craft beer consumption up 40% among 20-39 demo, weekly drinkers at 15%.
69% prioritize local ingredients in restaurant choices per 2023 survey.
Non-alcoholic beverage preference rose to 65% post-pandemic among youth.
52% of consumers read nutritional info before purchase, up 12% from 2020.
Pet food as F&B extension sees 33% households buying premium options monthly.
61% prefer K-Food brands over imports for daily meals.
Late-night snacking common in 47% of population, peaking at 11 PM.
75% of fitness enthusiasts consume protein supplements weekly.
Organic food buyers increased to 28% of total consumers in 2023.
Ramen consumption averages 82 packs per capita annually in Korea.
58% of families eat out weekly, spending average 100,000 KRW per visit.
Bubble tea demand peaks with 42% of 10-19 year olds drinking weekly.
64% avoid MSG-labeled products based on 2023 consumer polls.

Consumer Trends and Preferences Interpretation

While juggling convenience-driven midnight ramyeon deliveries with diligent label-reading for health, Korea's F&B landscape reveals a populace fiercely snacking on savory delights yet earnestly chasing wellness, proving you can indeed have your tteokbokki and eat it too, responsibly.

Employment and Investments

F&B industry employed 2.3 million workers in 2023, 9% of total workforce.
Food manufacturing sector had 450,000 direct jobs, average wage 45 million KRW/year.
Restaurant industry jobs reached 1.8 million, turnover rate 28% annually.
F&B R&D investment totaled 3.2 trillion KRW in 2023 by top firms.
15,200 new F&B startups launched in 2023, 40% in delivery tech.
Beverage sector employed 120,000, with 12% growth in skilled labor.
Foreign workers in F&B reached 150,000, mainly in food processing.
Average F&B factory worker productivity 120 million KRW per employee.
Cafe sector jobs 450,000, franchise model 70% share.
Investments in F&B automation USD 2.5 billion in 2023.
Women comprise 55% of F&B service workforce, part-time 60%.
VC funding for Korean F&B tech startups USD 1.8 billion in 2023.
Training programs for F&B workers reached 500,000 participants yearly.
Logistics and supply chain jobs in F&B 280,000, wage growth 5%.
Export-oriented F&B firms employed 300,000, incentives boosted hires 10%.
Sustainability roles in F&B grew to 25,000 jobs in 2023.
M&A investments in F&B totaled USD 4.2 billion, creating 50,000 jobs.
Youth employment in F&B cafes 180,000, internship programs 30%.
Food safety inspector jobs increased to 12,000 nationwide.
E-commerce F&B platform staff reached 95,000, growth 25%.

Employment and Investments Interpretation

Korea's F&B industry is a high-stakes kitchen where 2.3 million people are simultaneously plating artisanal innovation, serving it with a 28% churn rate, and trying not to spill the 3.2 trillion won R&D budget, all while robots slowly start reading the recipe.

Exports and Imports

South Korea's F&B exports hit USD 10.2 billion in 2023, up 8.5% YoY.
Kimchi exports reached USD 280 million in 2023, China 45% share.
Instant ramen exports totaled 7.2 billion packs, USD 650 million revenue.
Alcoholic beverages exports grew to USD 450 million, soju to Japan USD 120M.
Processed seafood exports USD 2.1 billion in 2023, US market 25%.
Ramen exports to US surged 15% to USD 180 million in 2023.
K-confectionery exports USD 300 million, Vietnam top destination.
Frozen food exports USD 1.2 billion, chicken products 40%.
Beverage exports, mainly bottled water and tea, USD 250 million.
Snack exports to Southeast Asia USD 400 million in 2023.
Bakery products exports grew 12% to USD 150 million.
Dairy exports USD 180 million, mainly to China and US.
Processed meat exports USD 320 million, pork cuts dominant.
Sauce and seasoning exports USD 220 million, gochujang key.
Rice exports limited to 50,000 tons under quota, USD 80 million.
Fruit and vegetable exports USD 1.5 billion, ginseng top.
Pet food exports USD 120 million, growing 20% YoY.
Organic F&B exports USD 90 million to EU and US.
F&B imports totaled USD 22.5 billion in 2023, grains 35%.
Beef imports 350,000 tons, USD 6.2 billion in 2023.

Exports and Imports Interpretation

While Korea is importing beef by the ton, it's clearly winning the trade war by flooding the world with everything from kimchi and soju to seven billion life-saving packs of instant ramen.

Market Size and Growth

The South Korean F&B market was valued at approximately 182 trillion KRW in 2022, reflecting a 5.1% CAGR from 2018-2022.
F&B industry revenue in South Korea grew by 3.8% in 2023 to reach 189.2 trillion KRW.
The packaged food segment within Korea's F&B market accounted for 62% of total sales in 2023, valued at 116 trillion KRW.
South Korea's beverage market size hit 28.5 trillion KRW in 2023, with a projected 4.5% growth to 2027.
Foodservice market in Korea expanded to 42 trillion KRW in 2022, driven by post-pandemic recovery.
Overall F&B e-commerce sales in Korea surged 22% YoY to 15.4 trillion KRW in 2023.
Korea's instant noodles market reached 1.2 trillion KRW in 2023, with 8.5 billion units sold domestically.
The healthy snacks segment grew 12% to 2.3 trillion KRW in South Korea's F&B market in 2023.
Alcoholic beverages market in Korea was valued at 25.1 trillion KRW in 2022, up 6% from prior year.
Korea's dairy products market size stood at 7.8 trillion KRW in 2023, with 4.2% annual growth.
Processed meat sales in Korea's F&B hit 9.5 trillion KRW in 2023, comprising 5% of total F&B revenue.
The bakery products market in South Korea grew to 6.2 trillion KRW in 2022.
Functional beverages segment expanded 15% YoY to 3.1 trillion KRW in 2023.
Korea's confectionery market value was 4.7 trillion KRW in 2023, with chocolate at 40% share.
Ready-to-eat meals market reached 5.8 trillion KRW in 2022, up 10% from 2021.
Soft drinks market in Korea totaled 12.3 trillion KRW in 2023, growing 3.5%.
Korea's F&B wholesale market volume was 95 trillion KRW in 2023.
Plant-based food market grew 28% to 0.8 trillion KRW in 2023.
Cafe and coffee shop market size hit 18 trillion KRW in 2023.
Frozen food sales increased to 4.1 trillion KRW, 9% growth in 2023.
Energy drinks segment valued at 1.5 trillion KRW in 2023, 11% YoY growth.
Korea's edible oils market was 2.9 trillion KRW in 2022.
Sauce and condiments market reached 3.4 trillion KRW in 2023.
Meal kit market exploded to 1.1 trillion KRW in 2023, 35% growth.
Korea's F&B retail sales grew 7.2% to 52 trillion KRW in 2023.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

South Korea's F&B market is a tale of two appetites: a steady, packaged-food-fueled giant is being nudged awake by a hyper-caffeinated, health-conscious, and convenience-obsessed digital shopper who really, really loves instant noodles.

Production and Supply

South Korea produced 25.3 million tons of food in 2022, with rice at 4.1 million tons leading.
Korea's beverage production volume reached 12.4 billion liters in 2023.
Processed food manufacturing output was 110 trillion KRW in 2023.
Meat production totaled 2.8 million tons in 2022, pork at 1.5 million tons.
Dairy production hit 2.2 million tons, with milk at 90% share in 2023.
Instant noodle production was 8.7 billion packs in 2023.
Bakery goods output reached 3.1 million tons annually in 2022.
Soft drink manufacturing volume 5.6 billion liters, carbonated 45%.
Seafood processing output 1.9 million tons in 2023.
Edible oil production 1.2 million tons, soybean oil dominant at 60%.
Frozen food production increased to 1.5 million tons in 2023.
Beer production volume 1.8 billion liters in 2022.
Soju production reached 0.9 billion liters, 95% domestic sales.
Confectionery output 0.8 million tons, sugar confectionery 55%.
Rice milling capacity processed 3.9 million tons in 2023.
Vegetable processing 2.1 million tons, kimchi at 1.2 million.
Poultry meat production 0.9 million tons in 2022.
Fruit juice concentrate production 0.4 million tons annually.
Snack food manufacturing 1.1 million tons, extruded snacks 30%.
Canned food output 0.7 million tons in 2023.
Sauce production 0.6 million tons, gochujang leading at 0.3 million.
Baby food production 0.15 million tons, growing 8% YoY.
Organic food production area expanded to 45,000 hectares in 2023.
Supply chain logistics for F&B cost 12 trillion KRW in 2023.
Food waste in production phase reduced to 1.8 million tons in 2022.
Automated production lines in F&B factories reached 65% adoption.
Ingredient import dependency for processed F&B at 42% by volume.

Production and Supply Interpretation

It seems South Korea's culinary identity is a meticulously engineered landscape where 25.3 million tons of foundational food, led by the sovereign grain of rice, gets systematically transformed into a dizzying sea of 12.4 billion liters of beverages and a 110-trillion-won empire of processed goods, proving their industrial might is as much about precision kimchi vats and soju rivers as it is about 8.7 billion packets of instant noodle resolve.

Sources & References

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