South Korea Rice Market Overview, 2030

The South Korean rice market is a vital component of the country's agricultural sector, with rice being the most important staple food and agricultural crop for centuries. Despite a decline in per capita rice consumption due to changing dietary habits and the rise of single-person households, rice remains central to Korean cuisine, often served with every meal. The market is characterized by a variety of rice types, including regular, aromatic, red rice, Arborio rice, black rice, brown rice, and sushi rice, catering to diverse culinary preferences. South Korea's rice policies have historically isolated the market from global trade, maintaining high barriers to imports and supporting local farmers through subsidies and income support. However, the country has shifted to a tariff-rate quota system, allowing limited imports while protecting domestic production. The rice market is driven by innovations in agricultural practices, rising disposable incomes, and increasing demand for premium rice varieties. The market's dynamics are influenced by demographic, economic, environmental, and technological factors, making it essential for stakeholders to navigate this multifaceted landscape effectively. The South Korean rice market has a long history, with rice being the most important staple food and agricultural crop for centuries. Historically, South Korea's rice policies have isolated the market from global trade, maintaining high barriers to imports and supporting local farmers through subsidies and income support. However, in recent years, the country shifted to a tariff-rate quota system, allowing limited imports while protecting domestic production. This system was established under the 1995 Uruguay Round Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which expired in 2014, leading to the current tariff-rate quota system with a high tariff for overquota imports. Despite these changes, South Korea continues to support its rice farmers through various policies aimed at stabilizing prices and achieving a balance of supply and demand.

According to the research report, ""South Korea rice Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea rice market is anticipated to grow at more than 3.66% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The rice market in South Korea has been experiencing a notable shift in recent years. While rice remains a staple food, consumption trends have shown a decline due to changing eating habits and an increase in single-person households that prefer convenient, precooked rice products. This growth is driven by several factors, including technological advancements in agriculture, government support for rice farmers, and the development of new rice varieties that are more resistant to diseases and better suited to varying climate conditions. Key players in the South Korean rice market include major agricultural companies and cooperatives that are investing in modern farming techniques and high-yield rice varieties to boost productivity and ensure a stable supply of rice. Additionally, online shopping platforms are playing a significant role in increasing consumer accessibility to various rice products, further driving market growth.

The type segment of the South Korean rice market is diverse, reflecting the country's rich culinary traditions and evolving consumer preferences. The market includes several key types of rice, each with unique characteristics and culinary uses. Regular rice remains the most commonly consumed type, serving as a staple in many households and restaurants. Aromatic rice, such as jasmine and basmati, is gaining popularity due to its distinctive fragrance and flavor, making it a preferred choice for various Asian dishes. Red rice and black rice are known for their nutty flavor and high nutritional value, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Brown rice is favored for its whole grain benefits, while Arborio rice is essential for making creamy risottos. Sushi rice is specifically used for sushi and other Japanese dishes, reflecting the growing interest in Japanese cuisine. Additionally, parboiled rice and grain-fragranced rice cater to specific culinary needs and preferences. The South Korean rice market also includes organic rice, which is produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, meeting the demand for sustainable and health-conscious food options. The country's rice policies have historically supported local production, but recent shifts towards a tariff-rate quota system have allowed limited imports while protecting domestic farmers. This diverse range of rice types, supported by government initiatives and consumer trends, ensures a robust and dynamic market that caters to various culinary and nutritional needs.

The grain size segment of the South Korean rice market is characterized by a variety of rice types, each with distinct grain sizes and culinary uses. Long-grain rice is known for its slender and elongated grains that remain separate and fluffy when cooked, making it ideal for dishes like pilaf, salads, and stir-fries. Medium-grain rice has slightly shorter and plumper grains, becoming moist and slightly sticky when cooked, which is perfect for risotto, paella, and sushi. Short grain rice features round and stubby grains that become very sticky and clump together when cooked, making it suitable for desserts like rice pudding and sushi rice. South Korea's rice market also includes specialty varieties such as jasmine rice, arborio rice, black rice, brown rice, and organic rice, each catering to different consumer preferences and culinary needs. The country's rice policies have historically supported local production, but recent shifts towards a tariff-rate quota system have allowed limited imports while protecting domestic farmers. This diverse range of rice types, supported by government initiatives and consumer trends, ensures a robust and dynamic market that caters to various culinary and nutritional needs.

The application type segment of the South Korean rice market is diverse and multifaceted, reflecting the extensive uses of rice across various industries and consumer preferences. Rice is a staple food in South Korea, consumed in a variety of dishes such as bibimbap, kimchi, and various side dishes. The demand for different rice types, including regular, aromatic, red rice, Arborio rice, black rice, brown rice, and sushi rice, caters to diverse culinary needs. Additionally, rice is used in the food processing industry to produce ready-to-eat meals, snacks, baby food, and beverages. The brewing industry utilizes rice for making traditional alcoholic beverages like sake. Rice is also a key ingredient in animal feed, providing a nutritious and cost-effective option for livestock. Industrial applications include the use of rice husks and bran in producing bioplastics, biofuels, and cosmetics. The South Korean government supports the rice industry through various initiatives, including research and development programs aimed at improving rice varieties and production methods. These efforts ensure that South Korean rice remains competitive in both domestic and international markets. The adoption of advanced agricultural practices, such as precision farming and sustainable irrigation techniques, enhances productivity and environmental sustainability. This diverse range of applications, supported by government initiatives and consumer trends, ensures a robust and dynamic market that caters to various culinary and nutritional needs.

The distribution channel type segment for the South Korea rice market is characterized by a blend of traditional offline channels and rapidly growing online platforms. Offline channels, such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, specialty food stores, and convenience stores, have long been the backbone of rice distribution in South Korea. These channels benefit from established supply chains, direct consumer access, and the ability to provide a wide range of rice varieties, including long grain, medium grain, short grain, Jasmine, and Arborio rice. Supermarkets and hypermarkets, in particular, offer consumers the convenience of one-stop shopping for all their rice needs, often featuring in-store promotions and bulk purchasing options. Meanwhile, online channels are gaining traction, driven by the increasing demand for e-commerce and the convenience of home delivery. Online platforms provide consumers with access to a broader range of rice products, including specialty and organic varieties that may not be available in local stores. This segment is particularly appealing to tech-savvy consumers and those seeking unique rice varieties from different regions and brands. Online retailers often offer competitive pricing, customer reviews, and detailed product information, enhancing the shopping experience. The combination of these channels ensures a robust distribution network that caters to diverse consumer preferences and enhances market accessibility. The offline channels provide the tactile experience of physically inspecting product quality and freshness, while online channels offer convenience and a wider selection. This dual approach allows rice producers and retailers to reach a broader audience and adapt to changing consumer behaviors. Government support and initiatives also play a crucial role in the distribution of rice in South Korea. Policies aimed at improving infrastructure, such as storage and milling facilities, help streamline the supply chain and ensure efficient distribution. Research and development programs focused on enhancing rice varieties and production methods contribute to the quality and competitiveness of South Korean rice in both domestic and international markets.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Rice Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Red Rice
• Black Rice
• Grain Fragrance Rice( Basmati and Jasmine Rice)
• Brown Rice
• Grain Parboiled Rice
• Sushi Rice
• Others (Rosematta Rice, Arborio Rice)

By Grain Size
• Long Grain
• Medium Grain
• Short Grain

By Distribution Channel
• Offline Stores
• Online Stores

By Application
• Residential
• Commercial

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.