South Korea remains a major food-importing country. According to a 2025 market overview, the country imported approximately USD 40.5 billion worth of agri-food and seafood products in 2024, while exports stood at only USD 11.6 billion — a trade deficit of roughly USD 28.8 billion. More broadly, food imports accounted for about 6.3% of South Korea’s total merchandise imports in 2024. 

In its latest official report, the Korean authorities disclosed that in 2024 the country imported 19.38 million tons of food and related items from 164 countries, with a total value of USD 35.7 billion. This represented a roughly 5.4% increase in volume and 2.7% increase in value compared to the prior year. 

Among commodities, the top imports included maize (corn), processed food preparations, frozen pork, frozen boneless beef, wheat and meslin (a wheat-rye mix). 

What’s Driving the Growth — Key Trends for 2025

Rising consumption & diversification of diet

South Korea’s growing middle class, rising disposable incomes and evolving consumer preferences continue to fuel demand for a wider variety of food products — including processed foods, meats (especially beef and pork), grains and ingredients not widely or sufficiently produced domestically. Market data shows steady growth (CAGR ~ 5.4% from 2019 to 2024) in agri-food and seafood imports. At the same time, the domestic production environment is under pressure: according to the 2025 agricultural-policy review, the country faces climate-related risks, demographic decline in rural areas, and increasing volatility in agriculture output — pushing import dependence higher. 

Heavy reliance on meat, grains and food staples from abroad

The top categories of imports reflect staples and everyday food needs — maize, wheat, meats (pork and beef), processed food preparations.  For meat, frozen pork and beef remain among the biggest value import lines. 

This pattern suggests South Korea uses imports to complement domestic production — especially for protein and grain supply — and to satisfy demand for processed or convenience foods.

Diversified import sources, concentrated supply share

While South Korea imports food from more than 160 countries, a few supplier nations account for the bulk of volumes. In 2024, the largest providers were the United States, China and Australia, together supplying over half of South Korea’s imported agri-food and seafood. 

This concentration underscores the strategic importance of relationships with major exporting countries — but also reveals a potential vulnerability to global supply shocks or trade disruptions.

Shift toward processed foods and value-added products

Processed food and beverage imports continue to grow, reflecting changing eating habits, urbanization and demand for convenience. As of last year, the “packaged food” market alone in South Korea was valued at around US$30.0 billion. 

Moreover, the foodservice sector (restaurants, fast food, deliveries) is expanding — boosting demand for imported ingredients, semi-processed and processed goods. 

What 2025 Policy & Market Conditions Mean for Importers

South Korea’s agriculture faces mounting challenges: climate change, unpredictable weather, rural depopulation and global economic uncertainty.  These headwinds are pushing authorities and market players to lean more on imports for food security — a structural factor likely to sustain or increase import demand over coming years.

At the same time, global economic uncertainty and rising geopolitical risk (e.g. trade tensions, supply-chain volatility) — highlighted by observers of global trade dynamics — mean importers need to plan for disruptions and diversify supply sources. 

From an exporter’s (supplier country) perspective, this context makes South Korea a promising, stable market for food exports — especially for staples (grain, meat), processed foods, and value-added products tailored to Korean consumer tastes.

Implications & Opportunities — What Importers Should Watch

For food importers (whether in South Korea or companies exporting to Korea), 2025 presents several strategic opportunities:

• Supply staple grains and feed ingredients — corn/maize, wheat, mixed grains remain core imports. Demand is unlikely to wane soon, given domestic production constraints.

• Export meat, frozen or chilled proteins — pork and beef are consistent high-demand items; suppliers from major exporting countries remain competitive.

• Supply processed foods and ingredients for foodservice and retail — growth of packaged-food market and expanding foodservice sector make this an attractive segment.

• Consider diversification of supply origins — while U.S., China, Australia currently dominate, there is room for new exporters from underrepresented countries that can offer competitive price, quality or niche products; this also hedges supply-risk.

• Monitor policy and climate-related developments — given risks in domestic agriculture, South Korea may tighten regulatory standards, push for sustainable sourcing, or prioritize imports that meet specific safety/ quality/ sustainability criteria.

Practical Tips for Exporters/Aspirant Exporters to South Korea

Drawing from these trends, here are some practical recommendations for firms or entrepreneurs looking to export to South Korea:

• Focus on reliability and consistency. Given high reliance on imports, South Korean importers value stable, predictable supply flows — especially for staples and proteins. Ensuring consistent quality, delivery and supply chain transparency increases attractiveness.

• Comply with Korean regulatory standards. With growing attention to food safety, sustainability and traceability (especially under climate stress), exporters must ensure compliance with Korean import regulations, labeling, safety and quality controls.

• Target processed and convenience-food categories. As Korean consumers shift toward convenience, processed foods, ready meals and ingredients for busy lifestyles may offer good margins — especially from suppliers that can deliver value-added or differentiated offerings.

• Think long-term: build relationships, not one-off deals. Given the structural demand for imports, building long-term partnerships, possibly with diversification across product lines, can be more profitable than chasing single large orders.

• Watch global market shifts and geopolitical risk. Price volatility (in grains, meat, shipping), currency fluctuations and changing global trade policies mean exporters must build flexibility and multiple sourcing options.

Conclusion: South Korea — a Resilient Food-Import Market in Flux

In 2025, South Korea remains a strong, growing market for food imports. A combination of domestic agricultural constraints, shifting diets, rising consumption, and expanding foodservice and retail sectors create sustained demand for a wide array of food products — from staple grains and meats to processed foods and convenience items.

For importers and exporters alike, this environment offers rich opportunities — but also calls for strategic thinking: ensuring supply-chain resilience, compliance, diversification and long-term partnerships. As global conditions evolve — climate pressures, geopolitical shifts, and trade dynamics — success will likely go to those who combine quality, flexibility and reliability.

For users of the BestFoodImporters platform, now is a good moment to explore supplying to South Korea — especially in staple commodities, proteins, or value-added foods — and to position themselves for longer-term opportunities in a market that shows no signs of slowing down.