South Korea Frozen Food Market Outlook

According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the South Korea frozen food market attained a value of USD 2.07 billion in 2024. Aided by the increasing demand for convenient meal options, the rising influence of Western diets, and technological advancements in cold chain logistics, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.70% between 2025 and 2034 to reach a value of USD 3.96 billion by 2034.

Frozen food has gained widespread acceptance in South Korea, primarily due to its ability to combine convenience, affordability, and extended shelf life while maintaining nutritional value. Products such as frozen ready-to-eat meals, frozen seafood, frozen fruits and vegetables, and bakery items are increasingly being incorporated into the diets of busy households. The South Korea frozen food market growth is supported by the cultural shift toward dual-income families, a rising single-person household population, and an increasing preference for time-saving meal solutions.

South Korea Frozen Food Market Size and Share

The South Korean frozen food market represents a significant segment of the country’s broader food and beverage sector. In 2024, the market’s valuation of USD 2.07 billion underscores the growing reliance on frozen products as part of daily consumption.

Among product categories, frozen ready meals hold the largest share, driven by the surge in consumer demand for quick, nutritious, and diverse food options. Frozen seafood also represents a strong share of the market, given South Korea’s cultural and dietary preference for seafood-based products. Furthermore, frozen bakery products and desserts are steadily gaining ground as Western food culture continues to influence consumer choices.

Distribution channels play a vital role in the sector’s market share distribution. Hypermarkets and supermarkets dominate due to their extensive product range, aggressive promotions, and established cold storage facilities. However, online grocery platforms are rapidly increasing their share, driven by the growing popularity of e-commerce and home delivery services.

Gain access to valuable insights through a free sample - https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/south-korea-frozen-food-market/requestsample

South Korea Frozen Food Market Trends

Several key trends are shaping the growth trajectory of the South Korea frozen food market:

• Health-Oriented Frozen Foods: There is a growing demand for healthier frozen options, including low-sodium meals, organic frozen vegetables, and plant-based frozen products. Consumers are increasingly looking for frozen foods that align with health-conscious lifestyles.

• Premiumisation of Frozen Food: With rising disposable incomes, consumers are willing to pay more for premium-quality frozen meals that mimic freshly cooked food. This includes gourmet frozen dishes, artisanal bakery items, and frozen delicacies with authentic flavors.

• E-commerce Integration: Online grocery platforms, enabled by efficient cold-chain logistics, are expanding frozen food accessibility. Subscription models for frozen meal kits are becoming increasingly popular among young professionals.

• Western and Fusion Cuisine: South Korea’s younger population is increasingly experimenting with Western and fusion frozen meals, including pizzas, pastas, burritos, and fusion snacks that blend Korean flavors with international cuisines.

• Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Packaging: Consumers are showing preference for frozen foods packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials, pushing companies to adopt environmentally conscious solutions.

Drivers of Growth

The growth of the South Korea frozen food market is supported by several factors:

• Busy Lifestyles and Dual-Income Households: The rise of working couples and smaller households has led to an increased reliance on convenient, time-saving meal options such as frozen ready-to-eat meals.

• Technological Advancements in Cold Chain Logistics: Enhanced freezing technology and efficient storage solutions have improved the taste, texture, and nutritional retention of frozen foods, boosting consumer confidence.

• Urbanisation and Rising Disposable Incomes: Urban consumers with higher disposable incomes are more willing to experiment with premium and diverse frozen food products.

• COVID-19 Pandemic Impact: The pandemic significantly accelerated frozen food adoption, as consumers sought shelf-stable, safe, and convenient alternatives. While post-pandemic dining-out has resumed, frozen food consumption has remained consistently high.

• Globalisation of Food Culture: The influence of Western media and international dining habits has increased consumer openness to global frozen cuisines.

South Korea Frozen Food Market Segmentation

The market can be divided based on:

Industry Key Players

Some of the major players explored in the report by Expert Market Research are as follows:

• CJ CheilJedang Corp.
• Nongshim Co.,Ltd.
• Dr.Chung’s Food Co.,Ltd
• SPC GFS CO. LTD
• Daesang Corporation
• Taejong FD Co., Ltd.
• Others

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges

• Perception of Frozen Food as Inferior: Despite improvements, some consumers still perceive frozen food as less nutritious compared to fresh alternatives.

• Intense Competition: The market is highly fragmented, leading to price wars and slim margins for manufacturers.

• Environmental Concerns: Packaging waste and the carbon footprint of cold chain logistics present challenges for sustainable growth.

• Dependence on Imports: South Korea imports a significant portion of raw materials, especially frozen seafood and fruits, which makes the market vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.

Opportunities

• Rising Popularity of Vegan and Plant-Based Frozen Foods: Companies can tap into the growing vegan movement by offering plant-based frozen meals and snacks.

• Expansion of Online Distribution Channels: With South Korea’s advanced digital infrastructure, online frozen food sales are set to witness exponential growth.

• Innovation in Ethnic Frozen Foods: Developing frozen versions of traditional Korean dishes, such as kimchi fried rice, bulgogi, and japchae, can cater to both local and international markets.

• Sustainable Practices: Brands adopting eco-friendly packaging and green logistics can build stronger connections with environmentally conscious consumers.

South Korea Frozen Food Market Forecast

The South Korea frozen food market is poised for robust growth over the forecast period of 2025–2034. From a valuation of USD 2.07 billion in 2024, the market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.70%, reaching USD 3.96 billion by 2034.

Growth will be driven by continued lifestyle changes, increased acceptance of frozen food as a reliable and nutritious option, and strong retail and e-commerce infrastructure. The premiumisation of frozen foods, combined with innovations in health-focused and plant-based offerings, will further accelerate market expansion.

By 2034, frozen ready meals are expected to maintain dominance, while frozen seafood and bakery products will witness rapid adoption. Online retail platforms will continue to gain market share, providing opportunities for companies to enhance customer engagement through digital marketing and personalised services.

Media Contact:

Company Name: Claight Corporation
Email: sales@expertmarketresearch.com
Toll Free Number: +1-415-325-5166 | +44-702-402-5790
Address: 30 North Gould Street, Sheridan, WY 82801, USA
Website: https://www.expertmarketresearch.com