In the first seven months of 2024, Korea’s food exports rose by 9.2% year-on-year, reaching $5.67 billion, according to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. This increase is largely driven by significant growth in instant noodles and processed rice products.
Instant noodle exports surged by 34%, totaling $699 million, while snack product exports grew by 14.7% to $424 million. Processed rice products saw a remarkable 45.7% increase, reaching $165 million, thanks to the rising demand for ready-to-eat rice and frozen gimbap (seaweed rice rolls).
Additional gains were seen in ginseng exports, which rose by 5% to $179 million, and kimchi, which experienced a 3.7% increase, totaling $97 million.
By destination, exports to the United States surged by 23%, reaching $886 million, while exports to China increased by 5.9%, totaling $837 million.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs attributed this overall growth to a diverse range of export products, including vegan dumplings and room-temperature-preserved kimchi.
To sustain this momentum, the government plans to enhance marketing campaigns for K-Food, establish overseas logistics centers, and seek out importers and retailers.