IMARC Group has recently released a new research study titled “South Korea Ice Cream Market Report by Flavor (Vanilla, Chocolate, Fruit, and Others), Category (Impulse Ice Cream, Take-Home Ice Cream, Artisanal Ice Cream), Product (Cup, Stick, Cone, Brick, Tub, and Others), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Ice Cream Parlors, Online Stores, and Others), and Region 2026-2034”, offers a detailed analysis of the market drivers, segmentation, growth opportunities, trends and competitive landscape to understand the current and future market scenarios.

South Korea Ice Cream Market Overview

The South Korea Ice Cream Market size was valued at 3699 million USD in the base year 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.87% during the forecast period 2026-2034. This growth is driven by increasing demand for healthier ice cream options like low-fat, low-calorie, and lactose-free variants, alongside technological advancements in freezing, packaging, and cold chain logistics. The market benefits from expanding home delivery and online grocery sales, making ice cream more accessible.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2025
• Historical Years: 2020-2025
• Forecast Period: 2026-2034

South Korea Ice Cream Market Key Takeaways

• Current Market Size: 3699 million USD in 2025
• CAGR: 4.87%
• Forecast Period: 2026-2034
• Health-conscious consumers are driving demand for low-fat, low-calorie, and lactose-free ice cream variants.
• Ice cream is increasingly used as an ingredient in Korean desserts like bingsu.
• Seasonal and holiday flavors such as pumpkin and red bean are gaining popularity.
• Technological progress in freezing and packaging extends shelf life and improves product quality.
• Influencer marketing and digital sales channels, including home delivery and online stores, are boosting market reach.
• Rising demand for non-dairy milk alternatives caters to lactose-intolerant and vegan consumers.

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Market Growth Factors

The South Korea ice cream market is growing as consumers increasingly seek healthier options such as low-fat, low-calorie, and lactose-free variants, responding to rising health consciousness. This shift is a major factor propelling the market forward during the forecast period 2026-2034. Additionally, the surge in demand supports product innovation and diversification, aligning with consumer preferences. The integration of ice cream into popular Korean desserts like bingsu also enhances market growth by creating new consumption occasions.

Technological advancements in freezing and packaging are pivotal in driving market expansion. Improved freezing techniques and packaging innovations enable longer shelf life and better preservation of ice cream quality. These advances reduce wastage and enable efficient storage and distribution. Moreover, progress in manufacturing and cold chain logistics contributes to smoother production cycles and market supply, improving product availability across South Korea.

The digital transformation of retail has significantly impacted ice cream sales in South Korea. The growth of online grocery shopping and home delivery services has broadened consumer access to various ice cream products. Coupled with the rising adoption of influencer marketing, this has expanded brand awareness and consumer engagement. The market also benefits from increasing demand for convenient and quick food options, attracting busy consumers. Furthermore, the rising popularity of non-dairy ice cream made from almond, soy, or coconut milk targets lactose-intolerant and vegan consumers, creating new market segments.

Market Segmentation

Flavor Insights:

• Vanilla: Popular traditional flavor enjoyed by a wide demographic.
• Chocolate: A widely favored rich and sweet flavor offering indulgence.
• Fruit: Includes various fruit-infused flavors catering to diverse tastes.
• Others: Comprises additional flavors beyond vanilla, chocolate, and fruit.

Category Insights:

• Impulse Ice Cream: Ready-to-eat ice cream typically purchased for immediate consumption.
• Take-Home Ice Cream: Packed ice cream products intended for consumption at home.
• Artisanal Ice Cream: Premium, handcrafted ice cream varieties with unique flavors.

Product Insights:

• Cup: Ice cream served in cups, convenient for individual servings.
• Stick: Ice cream on sticks, popular for on-the-go consumption.
• Cone: Traditional cone-based ice cream offering a classic experience.
• Brick: Packaged ice cream blocks used for scooping.
• Tub: Larger containers intended for multiple servings.
• Others: Includes other less common packaging formats.

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Major retail outlets providing wide product availability.
• Convenience Stores: Smaller retail locations offering quick access.
• Ice Cream Parlors: Specialty stores focusing on ice cream products.
• Online Stores: Digital platforms facilitating e-commerce sales.
• Others: Additional channels including specialty or niche outlets.

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Regional Insights

The report identifies the Seoul Capital Area, Yeongnam (Southeastern Region), Honam (Southwestern Region), Hoseo (Central Region), and others as the major regions within South Korea's ice cream market. Notably, the Seoul Capital Area is the dominant region, reflecting its large urban population and higher consumer spending power. Specific statistical data such as market shares or regional CAGRs were not provided in the source.

Market Report Coverage

• Base Year of the Analysis: 2025
• Historical Period: 2020-2025
• Forecast Period: 2026-2034
• Units: Million USD
• Scope of the Report: Exploration of Historical Trends and Market Outlook, Industry Catalysts and Challenges, Segment-Wise Historical and Future Market Assessment: Flavor, Category, Product, Distribution Channel, Region
• Flavors Covered: Vanilla, Chocolate, Fruit, Others
• Categories Covered: Impulse Ice Cream, Take-Home Ice Cream, Artisanal Ice Cream
• Products Covered: Cup, Stick, Cone, Brick, Tub, Others
• Distribution Channels Covered: Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Ice Cream Parlors, Online Stores, Others
• Regions Covered: Seoul Capital Area, Yeongnam (Southeastern Region), Honam (Southwestern Region), Hoseo (Central Region), Others
• Customization Scope: 10% Free Customization
• Post-Sale Analyst Support: 10-12 Weeks
• Delivery Format: PDF and Excel through Email (Editable PPT/Word on request)

If you require any specific information that is not covered currently within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as a part of the customization.

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