South Korea's exports of food and agriculture-related products reached a record $13.62 billion in 2025, driven by the global popularity of Korean items like ramyeon noodles, sauces, and fruits. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reported that the K-Food Plus sector grew 5.1 percent from the previous year.
South Korea's exports of food and agriculture-related products reached a record high of $13.62 billion in 2025, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, which announced the figure on Monday. The K-Food Plus sector, a government term promoting Korean food, agricultural goods, farm machinery, and veterinary medicine, expanded 5.1 percent from the previous year.
Breaking it down, shipments of agricultural and food products rose 4.3 percent year-on-year to $10.41 billion, marking the 10th consecutive annual increase. Exports of agriculture industry-related products, such as farm machinery and veterinary medicine, jumped 8 percent to a record $3.22 billion.
The ministry credited the robust performance to record exports of Korean instant noodles, known as "ramyeon," along with 11 other items including sauces, kimchi, ice cream, strawberries, and pork. Ramyeon exports hit $1.5 billion for the first time, surging 21.9 percent, while sauces climbed 4.6 percent to $411.9 million. Ice cream shipments increased 21.6 percent to $111.3 million, grape exports soared 46.3 percent to $84.7 million, and strawberries grew 4 percent to $72 million.
By region, the United States led as the largest importer, with exports up 13.2 percent to $1.8 billion, fueled by rising demand for Korean ramyeon, sauces, and ice cream. Shipments to China rose 5.1 percent to $1.58 billion, driven by spicy ramyeon and sauces for fried chicken and tteokbokki, a rice cake street food. Europe saw a 13.6 percent increase to $773.7 million, with strong interest in K-street food, kimchi, and chicken products, while exports to the Gulf Cooperation Council in the Middle East advanced 22.6 percent to $411.6 million.
This milestone underscores the global appeal of Korean cuisine and points to continued growth potential.
