The South Korea frozen food market attained a value of USD 2.21 Billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.70% during the forecast period of 2026-2035. By 2035, the market is expected to reach USD 4.23 Billion.
Busy urban lifestyles and increasing single-person households are driving demand for convenient, quick-to-prepare frozen meals in South Korea. As of August 2025, the number of single-person households across South Korea surpassed 10 million for the first time. Consumers seek time-saving options without compromising taste or nutrition. This trend is pushing manufacturers to innovate with ready-to-eat frozen foods like dumplings, rice bowls, and fusion dishes, making frozen food a staple in many homes.
Consumers in South Korea are increasingly health-conscious, favoring frozen foods that offer nutritional benefits, such as low calories, high protein, and natural ingredients. This shift encourages leading South Korea frozen food brands to develop frozen meals with clean labels, reduced preservatives, and functional ingredients, aligning frozen food with wellness trends and attracting diet-conscious buyers. In November 2024, Daesang Cleanwon, under its “Homes” convenience food brand, launched four frozen soup varieties, that are flash‑frozen at ‑35°C to preserve ingredient freshness and texture.
Base Year
Historical Period
Forecast Period
Compound Annual Growth Rate
6.7%
Value in USD Billion
2026-2035
*this image is indicative*
Technological advancements are driving the South Korea frozen food market outlook with flash freezing and cryogenic freezing to improve the texture, flavor, and shelf life. In May 2024, Octofrost secured an order to supply an IQF freezer to South Korea’s HanGang Food to deliver higher quality frozen poultry with better texture and lower energy use. These innovations preserve freshness and quality better, enabling manufacturers to offer superior products that rival fresh food, thereby boosting consumer confidence and repeat purchases.
South Korean frozen food brands are increasingly going overseas, especially in regions with large Korean diaspora or interest in Korean foods. Companies like CJ CheilJedang are taking advantage of global demand for authentic Korean frozen foods to increase exports from Korea and to spur innovation to suit consumers' tastes abroad. Export expansion is prompting companies to localize their offerings or invest in global supply chains. Global demand also encourages industry players to put forth higher quality products and packaging to meet standards required by countries/regions and consumers.
In order to remain competitive in the South Korea frozen food industry, players are diversifying their food options with new flavors, international cuisine, and hybrid products. Product innovations include, but are not limited to, privatized South Korean fusion meals, premium dessert offerings, and alternative frozen food snacks, catering to consumers looking for the adventure of new tastes and increasing consumption occasions for frozen food categories outside the traditional meal time. An example is South Korean dairy company Maeil Dairies’ “Frozen Hershey’s Choco Banana” product that blends chocolate frozen dessert products with banana flavor and real banana juice to create something fun and indulgent.
As plant-based and flexitarian eating is becoming more popular, plant-based product lines are being increased by frozen food companies. Products such as vegetable-based dumplings, tofu-based snacks, and meat substitutes are being made for this new mass market, allowing for sustainability and responding to ethical consumer needs. In August 2022, Pulmuone launched a plant-based brand with dumplings that use textured vegetable protein (TVP), as well as other meat-free dishes.
New packaging trends in South Korea frozen foods market emphasize portability, reseal ability, and sustainability. Single-serve packs appeal to small families and busy consumers, while environmentally friendly materials address ecological issues. Packaging innovations ensure product freshness and attract environmentally aware shoppers. Smart packaging with QR codes is also being incorporated to offer product information and involve consumers further. This technology integration upholds transparency and creates confidence in frozen food quality.
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The EMR’s report titled “South Korea Frozen Food Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Type
Key Insight: The ready-to-eat (RTE) segment dominates the market due to the increasing demand for convenience among South Korea’s busy urban population. Consumers, especially young professionals and students, seek quick meals that require little to no preparation. Items such as frozen bibimbap, kimchi fried rice, and instant noodles are extremely popular, providing traditional Korean flavors in a time-saving format. The rise of single-person households also drives this segment in the South Korea frozen food industry, as people prefer hassle-free options without cooking from scratch.
Market Breakup by Product
Key Insight: Frozen meals are the cornerstone of the South Korean frozen food product lineup. This category offers complete meals, such as japchae, tteokbokki, and assorted dumplings. The sales of Bibigo’s frozen "tteokbokki" surged 2.5 times in Q2 of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, driven by strong export growth, especially to Europe. These meals reflect Korea’s culinary culture, combining convenience with authentic flavors. Their popularity is boosted by the growing single-person household trend and the rise of online food delivery services that promote frozen meal options.
Market Breakup by End Use
Key Insight: Retail remains the largest distribution channel for the frozen food industry in South Korea. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are offering extensive product ranges from frozen meals to seafood. These outlets attract families and bulk buyers seeking variety and competitive pricing. Convenience stores are rapidly expanding their frozen food selections to cater to busy urban consumers looking for quick, ready-to-eat options. In June 2025, 7-Eleven Japan launched Korean Gourmet Fair Vol. 2, featuring new ready meals and sweets inspired by Korean cuisine. Retail channels innovate with exclusive product launches and promotions, making frozen foods accessible and appealing to diverse consumer segments in the country.
Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
Key Insight: Supermarkets and hypermarkets lead as the primary distribution points for the South Korea frozen food market development, favored for their broad assortment and ability to stock large volumes. Chains, such as E-Mart and Lotte Mart are offering everything from frozen seafood to ready-to-eat meals. Their comprehensive cold chain infrastructure ensures product freshness, reinforcing consumer confidence. Moreover, supermarkets serve as a key platform for introducing innovative frozen foods and health-oriented products, aligning with shifting consumer preferences toward convenience and nutrition.
Ready-to-Drink & Ready-to-Cook Foods to Gain Preference in South Korea
The ready-to-drink (RTD) segment is growing rapidly. These include frozen fruit juices, smoothies, and traditional Korean drinks like sikhye and sujeonggwa. The convenience factor appeals to younger consumers who want refreshing, portable beverages. In November 2024, Narichan, a company specializing in kimchi products, launched "Kimchi Me," a canned RTD kimchi juice. Additionally, health trends boost demand for fruit- and vegetable-based RTD products, often marketed as nutritious and natural.
The ready-to-cook (RTC) segment in the South Korea frozen food market attracts consumers who enjoy cooking but want to minimize prep time. This includes frozen marinated meats, seafood, and pre-cut vegetables that simplify meal preparation without sacrificing freshness or taste. Popular RTC items support traditional Korean cooking styles, such as barbecue and hot pot. This segment caters to families and individuals who like homemade meals but seek convenience. Additionally, the RTC segment benefits from rising interest in healthier, home-cooked options as consumers become more conscious of ingredient quality and portion control.
Need for Frozen Seafood, Meat, and Poultry & Frozen Fruits and Vegetables in South Korea
Seafood, meat, and poultry are integral to Korean cuisine, making this segment significant for the growth of the South Korea frozen food market. Frozen fish, shellfish, marinated pork, chicken, and beef cuts are widely consumed at home. South Korea witnessed a dramatic rise in its frozen mackerel imports, recording 38,501 tons from January to June 2025. Many consumers prefer frozen options due to their longer shelf life and consistent quality. This segment also supports popular dishes like grilled fish, Korean BBQ, and seafood stews.
As health awareness rises, frozen fruits and vegetables have gained traction in South Korea as they provide a convenient way to maintain a balanced diet year-round, even if fresh produce is out of season. Items like frozen spinach, sweet corn, strawberries, and blueberries are popular. Their nutritional retention and ease of use in smoothies, cooking, or salads appeal to busy health-conscious consumers. Additionally, the extended shelf life helps reduce food waste, making it an eco-friendly choice for many households in the South Korea frozen food market.
Food Service Industry to Boost Frozen Food Consumption in South Korea
The food service industry is an important segment. Restaurants, cafes, hotels, and catering services increasingly rely on frozen ingredients like seafood, meats, and pre-prepared meals to ensure consistent quality and manage supply chain efficiency. This segment benefits from the convenience, longer shelf life, and cost-effectiveness of frozen products, allowing food businesses to meet customer demand while optimizing inventory. With the rise of delivery and cloud kitchens, frozen food usage is expected to grow, supporting new food service models that require fast preparation and minimal waste.
Convenience Stores & Online Channels to Drive Frozen Food Sales in South Korea
Convenience stores are a fast-growing channel in the South Korea frozen food market, driven by urban lifestyles and demand for quick, single-serving meals. Chains like GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven stock an expanding variety of frozen snacks, ready meals, and desserts tailored for on-the-go consumption. In August 2025, GS25 started selling a new strawberry flavor of the frozen sorbet product, in addition to the existing flavors. Convenience stores also experiment with limited-edition and trendy frozen products, attracting younger demographics.
Online channels are rapidly emerging as a vital distribution method for frozen foods in South Korea, propelled by digital transformation and consumer demand for home delivery. Leading platforms provide convenient access to a wide frozen food assortment, often with cold chain logistics ensuring freshness. Online sales benefit from consumer preferences for contactless shopping, detailed product information, and subscription options. This channel appeals especially to younger, tech-savvy consumers and busy households.
The South Korea frozen food market is rapidly evolving for meeting the goals of the rapidly changing consumer tastes. Brands developing new and innovative products are starting to offer ready to eat meals as well as kits that are designed to meet the requirements of local cuisines. Companies are also widening their premium product lines to offer products emphasizing health and wellness, packed with fresh, authentic, natural cuisines. Innovation in convenience and portion control packaging also has proved to be advantageous to single-person households and the working class.
With the focus on more balanced chips, many have started introducing low-calorie, high protein, and plant based frozen meals targeting health-conscious consumers and young people. The expansion of South Korean branded frozen products to the United States, Southeast Asia, and Europe has been also emphasized with the intent of K-food global branding during the expansion. Strengthening strategic partnerships, private labels, and localized offerings also increase presence in the international and domestic market. With all these factors taken into consideration, South Korean brands are propelling themselves to the front of the global frozen food industry in terms quality, innovation, and growth through exports.
Established in 1953 with its base in Seoul, CJ CheilJedang dominates South Korea's food market. With brands such as Bibigo, it led the world in K-food overseas expansion and developed advanced cold-chain logistics. It also leads the industry in fermentation and plant-based protein, enhancing its foothold in domestic and global markets.
Founded in 1965, headquartered in Seoul, Nongshim is known for legendary brands such as Shin Ramyun. It transformed the quality of instant noodles and popularized Korean tastes worldwide. It maintains a leadership position in R&D, producing health-oriented flavors and building its presence in frozen foods and international snack markets in the United States and Asia.
Established in 1973 in Seoul, Dr. Chung's Food is most recognized for its Vegemil soy milk. A leader in plant-based drinks since its inception, it brought functional health drinks that catered to different age groups. The company is focused on nutrition research and sustainable production in growing its line of non-dairy and wellness-oriented products.
Headquartered in Seoul and founded in 2004, SPC GFS is the food service arm of SPC Group, supporting brands like Paris Baguette. It excels in premium frozen dough, cold-chain distribution, and customized food logistics. The company focuses on innovation in bakery and quick-service restaurant solutions for domestic and global markets.
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other players in the South Korea frozen food market are Daesang Corporation, Taejong FD Co., Ltd. and others.
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Explore the latest South Korea frozen food market trends 2026 with our comprehensive report. Gain actionable insights into consumer preferences, emerging product segments, and distribution shifts. Download a free sample today to understand growth drivers, major players, and strategic opportunities in this evolving industry. Stay ahead with Expert Market Research.
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*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
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In 2025, the market reached an approximate value of USD 2.21 Billion.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.70% between 2026 and 2035.
The market is estimated to witness a healthy growth in the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach USD 4.23 Billion by 2035.
Key strategies driving the market include product diversification with health-focused and plant-based options, technological innovations in freezing and packaging, expanding export markets, collaborations for new flavors, and sustainability initiatives. Brands also leverage digital marketing and convenience to attract busy, health-conscious consumers.
Busy lifestyles, awareness as well as acceptance of frozen foods and concern regarding healthy diet and fitness are the major trends.
The dominant type of frozen food in the industry are Frozen Meals, Frozen Seafood, Meat, and Poultry, Frozen Fruits and Vegetables, Frozen Potatoes, Frozen Soup, and Dairy Products, among others.
The distribution channel segment is led by supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online stores, among others.
The key players in the market report include CJ CheilJedang Corp., Nongshim Co.,Ltd., Dr.Chung’s Food Co.,Ltd, SPC GFS CO. LTD, Daesang Corporation, Taejong FD Co., Ltd. and others.
The ready-to-eat (RTE) segment dominates the market due to the increasing demand for convenience among South Korea’s busy urban population.
Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.
| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2019-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
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| Breakup by Type |
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| Breakup by Products |
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| Breakup by End Use |
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| Breakup by Distribution Channels |
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| Market Dynamics |
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| Competitive Landscape |
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| Companies Covered |
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