South Korea’s Kimchi Exports Reach New High in 2023, Boosted by Global K-Content Craze

SEOUL: South Korea’s kimchi exports soared to an all-time high in 2023, buoyed by the growing international popularity of Korean entertainment content. The Korea Customs Service released data on Sunday revealing a notable increase in outbound shipments of the traditional fermented side dish.

According to Philippines News Agency, kimchi exports in 2023 reached 44,041 tons, marking a 7.1 percent increase from the previous year. This volume surpasses the prior record of 42,544 tons set in 2021. Additionally, the value of these exports grew by 10.5 percent year-on-year, amounting to $155.6 million.

An official from the agricultural ministry attributed this significant surge in kimchi exports to the heightened global interest in Korean entertainment, often referred to as K-content. This trend has seemingly influenced culinary preferences worldwide, leading to increased demand for Korean food products.

Japan emerged as the largest market for South Korean kimchi last year, importing 20,173 tons. The United States and the Netherlands followed, importing 10,660 tons and 1,756 tons, respectively.

Conversely, South Korea’s imports of kimchi in 2023 totaled $163.5 million, a decrease of 3.4 percent from the previous year. This resulted in a trade deficit of $7.95 million for kimchi. The majority of these imports are from China, primarily due to the higher production costs in South Korea’s domestic market.

The data highlights the growing global influence of South Korean culture, not only in the entertainment sector but also in the culinary sphere, with kimchi becoming increasingly popular across various international markets.