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. Driven by rising urbanization, busy lifestyles, and increasing demand for convenience foods, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.70% during the forecast period of 2025-2034, reaching a value of approximately USD 3.96 billion by 2034.

Frozen food has emerged as an integral component of South Korea’s food industry, catering to the needs of time-constrained consumers and busy households. The market encompasses a wide range of products, including frozen ready-to-eat meals, frozen vegetables and fruits, frozen seafood, meat, bakery products, and dairy items. With modern retail channels expanding, frozen food has become increasingly accessible, further driving consumer adoption across the nation.

South Korea Frozen Food Market Size and Share

The South Korea frozen food market is segmented into several categories, each contributing to overall market volume. Ready-to-eat meals account for a significant share due to the growing demand for convenience among working professionals, students, and urban households. Frozen vegetables and fruits are also witnessing increasing consumption, reflecting growing health consciousness and the need for extended shelf life without compromising nutritional value.

Frozen seafood, a traditional staple in South Korean cuisine, continues to maintain a strong market presence. The high reliance on seafood in local diets, combined with improvements in freezing technology, ensures product freshness and quality. Similarly, frozen meat and poultry products are gaining traction due to the demand for protein-rich diets and convenient cooking solutions.

The market is highly competitive, with both domestic and international players operating in South Korea. Key companies such as CJ CheilJedang, Lotte Foods, Ottogi, and Dongwon F&B dominate the market, supported by global brands that have entered the market to meet rising consumer demand. Retail chains, e-commerce platforms, and food service channels further influence market penetration and consumer reach.

South Korea Frozen Food Market Trends

Several trends are shaping the South Korea frozen food market. Health and wellness-oriented products are gaining traction as consumers become more conscious of nutritional content. Frozen foods enriched with vitamins, low-sodium options, organic and natural ingredients, and minimally processed meals are witnessing strong adoption.

Another notable trend is the increasing demand for convenience. Busy urban lifestyles and dual-income households are driving the need for quick and easy meal solutions. Frozen ready-to-eat meals, meal kits, and single-serve portions are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among younger consumers and working professionals.

E-commerce and online grocery delivery are rapidly transforming the frozen food landscape. Consumers are leveraging digital platforms to purchase frozen products from the comfort of their homes, with cold-chain logistics ensuring product quality and safety. This trend has been further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of online retail for essential and convenient food items.

Sustainability and eco-friendly packaging are emerging as significant trends in the market. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting recyclable and biodegradable packaging to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, reduce carbon footprint, and comply with regulatory frameworks.

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Drivers of Growth

Several factors are driving growth in the South Korea frozen food market. Rapid urbanization and increasing population density in metropolitan areas are creating a higher demand for convenience foods. Busy work schedules, lifestyle changes, and the rise of single-person households have further contributed to the adoption of frozen meals and ready-to-cook products.

Rising disposable incomes and the growing affordability of frozen foods are making them accessible to a larger segment of the population. Modern retail expansion, including hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and online grocery platforms, has increased product availability and consumer choice.

The focus on nutritional and functional foods is another growth driver. Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier options, including frozen fruits and vegetables, protein-rich meals, and products fortified with vitamins and minerals. This has encouraged manufacturers to innovate and diversify product portfolios to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Technological advancements in freezing and packaging processes have also fueled market growth. Improved cold-chain infrastructure, rapid freezing techniques, and vacuum-sealed packaging have enhanced product quality, shelf life, and convenience, making frozen foods a reliable alternative to fresh products.

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

The South Korea frozen food market faces several challenges. High competition among established players and low-cost imports can pressure margins and profitability. Consumers’ preference for fresh and locally sourced food remains a challenge, requiring frozen food manufacturers to emphasize quality, nutrition, and convenience.

Fluctuations in raw material prices, energy costs for cold storage, and transportation logistics can also impact operational efficiency. Companies must invest in advanced technology and supply chain optimization to mitigate these challenges.

Despite these challenges, the market offers significant opportunities. The rising demand for health-conscious, organic, and functional frozen foods presents a fertile ground for product innovation. Expanding e-commerce and home delivery infrastructure can enhance market accessibility and consumer reach.

The growth of single-person households and busy urban lifestyles provides opportunities for ready-to-eat meals, meal kits, and single-serve frozen products. Additionally, sustainable packaging solutions, eco-friendly processes, and energy-efficient cold-chain systems are expected to attract environmentally conscious consumers and differentiate brands in a competitive market.

South Korea Frozen Food Market Forecast

The South Korea frozen food market is expected to witness sustained growth over the forecast period of 2025-2034. From a market value of USD 2.07 billion in 2024, the sector is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.70%, reaching approximately USD 3.96 billion by 2034. Ready-to-eat meals and frozen vegetables are expected to continue dominating market share, while frozen seafood, meat, and bakery products are anticipated to see incremental growth driven by changing dietary preferences.

The market will continue to be influenced by technological innovation, urbanization, and evolving consumer lifestyles. Advances in freezing technology, sustainable packaging, and smart supply chain management will support market expansion. E-commerce growth, rising disposable incomes, and increasing health consciousness will further bolster adoption of frozen foods, positioning the South Korea frozen food market as a high-potential sector in the broader food and beverage industry.