South Korean Meat Market Insight
Published: 26 June 2026 | Report Format: Electronic (PDF) | Author: Sanket and Pranali
From 2025 to 2035, the South Korean meat industry is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.74% due to increased disposable incomes, demand for quality beef, and rising consumption of processed and ready-to-eat foods
South Korean Meat Market Insights Forecasts to 2035
- The South Korean Meat Market Size Was Estimated USD 6.08 Billion in 2025
- The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 4.74% from 2025 to 2035
- The South Korean Meat Market Size is Expected to rise around USD 9.66 Billion by 2035
Notable Insights for the South Korean Meat Market
- According to meat type segmentation, the South Korean meat market is dominated by pork, while imports and Hanwoo drive premium demand for beef; processed items are led by poultry, and value-added products are supported by duck.
- According to product form and preservation segmentation, the South Korean meat market mainly comprises fresh, chilled, and frozen meats, whereas processed and marinated ready-to-cook foods become popular due to consumption trends driven by convenience.
- In 2024, South Korea imported over USD 16.9 billion worth of basic and intermediate agricultural commodities to sustain stable local meat supply chains, livestock feed production, and meat processing operations.
- Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries committed ₩29 billion to plant-based and cell-based seafood research, which will drive the future growth of protein alternatives and help develop its sustainable food industry.
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What Makes Decisions Advisors Research Unique?
- AI-Driven Consumer Insights & Meat Industry Analytics
Decisions Advisors offers innovative artificial intelligence-based research on consumer behavior, health trends, and purchasing behavior. The potential areas of growth for high-quality meat, organic products, and processed meat products in the dynamic Korean meat market are determined through the analysis.
- Robust Research Methodology with Accurate Forecasting Models
This report includes both primary data from direct interviews with meat manufacturers, retailers, and industry experts and secondary data from trade databases, government publications, and industry magazines. In case of South Korean Meat Market Report, this means accurate market sizing, forecasting CAGR, and investment analysis.
- Comprehensive Competitive and Ecosystem Analysis
This research evaluates the key meat producing and processing companies including Harim Co Ltd and CJ CheilJedang. This study will provide detailed information about how the South Korean Meat Market is influenced by competitive positioning, innovation in processed meats and plant-based meats, strategic alliances, and new distribution networks.
Competitive Analysis:
The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korean Meat Market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product of offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.
Top Companies in South Korean Meat Market
- Harim Co Ltd
- Lotte Co Ltd
- Dongwon F&B Co Ltd
- CJ CheilJedang Corp
- Sunjin Co Ltd
- Nonghyup Feed
- Ottogi Corporation
- Pulmuone Corporate
- Shinsegae Food
- Hyundai Green Food
Recent Developments:
- In May 2025, to improve its standing in the convenience and processed meat market in South Korea, Harim introduced 12 new frozen chicken items under the brand name "Maxican Frozen Chicken."
- In January 2026, Hyundai Green Food expanded its distribution of processed foods and premium meat meals throughout South Korea by fortifying its relationships with merchants, foodservice operators, and institutional caterers.
Market Segmentation:
South Korean Meat Market, By Product Type
- Pork
- Beef
- Chicken
South Korean Meat Market, By Distribution Channel
- Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
- E-commerce
- Specialty Stores
- Convenience Stores
South Korean Meat Market, By Price Point
- Economy
- Premium (Wagyu, Hanwoo)
- Organic & Grass-Fed
Expert Views:
South Korean market for meat is set for steady growth up to 2035, backed by disposable income increase, robust demand for premium beef and pork, as well as growing consumption of processed meat products. Increased reach of e-commerce services, product innovations and consumer preference towards high quality and organic meat products will be conducive to market growth.
Author: Sanket and Pranali By Decisions Advisors and Consulting