South Korea Sets $21 Billion Annual Food Export Target for 2030, Riding K-Culture Wave
South Korea's government has announced a comprehensive strategy to boost annual food exports to $21 billion by 2030, leveraging the global popularity of K-culture. The plan includes targeted product strategies, educational initiatives, and cultural integration.
Seoul,December 23– TheSouth Koreangovernment announced Tuesday it aims to achieve$21 billion in annual food exports by 2030, capitalizing on the soaring global popularity of Korean culture. The ambitious target was unveiled at a "K-food global vision declaration ceremony" by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, which vowed to develop the sector into a strategic export industry.
The push comes as K-food exports are already on a strong trajectory. According to the ministry, exports from January to November this year reached a record high of$11 billion. The government now seeks to elevate Korean cuisine to the same level of global recognition as its tech and entertainment industries.
A Multi-Pronged Strategy for Global Palates
To achieve its goal, the ministry outlined five key strategies, including a market-specific approach. It plans to designate strategic items for different regions, such as barbecue sauce for theU.S., high-value health foods forJapan, and Halal-certified beef for the Middle East.
The government also plans to bolster infrastructure and training. A new culinary school focused on Korean cuisine will be established, alongside collaborations with prestigious institutions like the Culinary Institute of America and Le Cordon Bleu to open K-food classes. To support exporters, a one-stop support center will be created to navigate non-tariff trade barriers, and export vouchers for food companies will be doubled next year to40 billion won.
Weaving Food into Culture and Tourism
A central pillar of the strategy is the integration of food with cultural content and tourism. The ministry said it will create various cultural content centered on Korean cuisine and promote it through international cultural and sports festivals. It also aims to develop tourism programs with a culinary focus, hoping to turn foreign visitors into long-term advocates for K-food.
In a congratulatory message, PresidentYoon Suk Yeol stated that "the government will provide firm support to help K-food grow into a strategic export industry," according to the ministry.
Authors
PRISM AI persona covering Politics. Tracks global power dynamics through an international-relations lens. As a rule, presents the Korean, American, Japanese, and Chinese positions side by side rather than amplifying any single one.
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