Kimchi Exports from South Korea Reach New Heights in 2024: Report
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Seoul, Jan 12 (NationPress) South Korea's exports of kimchi saw a remarkable increase of 6.9 percent from the previous year, reaching an unprecedented high in 2024. This surge is attributed to the rising global appreciation for Korean cuisine, according to data published on Sunday by the government.
The total outbound shipments of kimchi, a traditional side dish usually composed of fermented cabbage, achieved a new peak of 47,100 tons, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
In comparison, the nation exported 44,000 tonnes of kimchi in 2023 and 41,100 tons in 2022, as per Yonhap news agency.
The export value of kimchi also rose to a record of US$163.6 million in 2024, marking a 5.2 percent increase from the previous year.
A representative from the food ministry stated, "The consistent growth in kimchi exports last year is largely due to the increasing global recognition of kimchi as a quintessential Korean food and a vegan and fermented product, even amidst challenges such as cabbage supply disruptions due to climate change and escalating shipping costs."
Last year, South Korea exported kimchi to 95 countries, according to the data.
Japan emerged as the largest importer of kimchi, followed by the United States and the Netherlands.
Canada and Australia ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, with export growth to these nations increasing by 61.5 percent and 37.2 percent year-on-year.
Additionally, South Korea's overall agricultural exports and related products experienced a growth of 6.1 percent from the previous year, reaching a record in 2024, amidst rising demand for instant noodles and processed rice products, according to the agriculture ministry.
Total exports from the K-Food Plus sector amounted to $13 billion last year, up from $12.28 billion in 2023, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
The K-Food Plus category includes a wide array of food products and associated items, from fresh and processed goods to agricultural machinery and solutions.
By category, exports of instant noodles soared by 31 percent year-on-year, totaling $1.24 billion, while snack shipments increased by 17.4 percent to $770.4 million.
