K-Food+ sets record export high in first half of 2025

Agricultural and food products exported from South Korea came to a record high in the first half of the year, thanks to growing popularity of Korean food like ramyeon and hot sauces like gochujang and ssamjang.

Our economic correspondent Park Jun-han has the details.

South Korea's "K-Food+" exports, which combine agricultural products and agro-industrial goods, reached an all-time high in the first half of 2025, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The total export value hit 6-point-67 billion U.S. dollars , which is around 9 trillion won, a notable increase of 7-point-1 percent from the same period last year, driven by strong global demand for Korean food products.

By region, North America was a standout market, with exports reaching 1.03 billion dollars — a 24.3 percent increase from a year earlier.

The European Union and the UK followed closely, with exports to these countries rising 23-point-9 percent to 420 million dollars.

Exports to the Commonwealth of Independent States, including Mongolia, climbed 9 percent to 240 million dollars, while shipments to Gulf Cooperation Council countries rose 17-point-8 percent to 180 million dollars.

Although the first quarter outperformed the second, overall, key markets such as the U.S., China and Japan saw stronger growth in the second quarter — with shipments to the U.S. standing out.

Among processed foods, ramyeon was a major export driver, reaching 730 million dollars in sales.

Spicy ramyeon and new product launches resonated with global consumers, especially in markets like the Commonwealth of Independent States, China and the U.S.

Sauce exports grew 18 percent, totaling 220 million dollars in gochujang, ssamjang and other sauces, reflecting the rising global awareness of Korean foods.

The agriculture ministry said its plan is to reach 14 billion dollars worth of overseas shipments by the end of the year.

"We must expand the export base by promoting product development at the corporate level and creating new agricultural products. It's also crucial to identify and address challenges Korean exporters face in the U.S. and other alternative markets through coordinated government efforts."

Amid global trade uncertainties, the ministry added that it will actively support exporters through overseas online and offline promotions, consulting on tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and responding to export risks such as currency fluctuations and logistical issues.

Park Jun-han, Arirang News.