The Food and Beverage Business and Industry in Korea at a Glance: An Overview and Assessment

Economic growth slowed to around 1.4% in 2023, with recovery projected at approximately 2–2.5% in 2024–2025 (IMF estimates). While exports — particularly semiconductors — remain an important growth driver, domestic consumption and Korean business industry continues to play a critical role in stabilizing the economy. Despite structural challenges such as high household debt and an aging population, South Korea maintains strong purchasing power and a high-income consumer base.

For the food and beverage (F&B) sector, these conditions translate into steady demand for value-driven yet premium products. Korean consumers are increasingly selective, prioritizing quality, health benefits, and brand reputation. Demographic shifts — including a growing number of single-person households (over 30% of total households) and an aging population — are accelerating demand for convenient, ready-to-eat meals, functional foods, and smaller packaging formats.

At the same time, digital adoption continues to reshape food purchasing behavior, with online grocery platforms and food delivery services playing a central role in market growth. Overall, while broader economic growth remains moderate, the F&B industry benefits from strong consumer sophistication, high urbanization, and evolving lifestyle-driven demand.

Import Food Standards and Regulations

Korea has well-established standards and regulations on food and agricultural products. Due to that, businesses must meet all local regulations to import products and sold their product in Korea. In detail regarding standards and regulations that imported food and agricultural products are subject to in Korea, including Labeling, Packaging, Export Health Certificates, MRL (Maximum Residue Level) Code, and Food Additive Code, you can check out the US Agricultural Trade Office website.

Import Procedures

Customs Clearance

Generally speaking, imported products are subject to mandatory documentation and inspection requirements administered by relevant agencies upon arrival in Korea.

The Korea Customs Service (KCS), the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), and the Quarantine Inspection Agency (QIA under MAFRA) are the lead Korean authorities involved in the import clearance process. In short, failure to satisfy the Korean regulations administered by these agencies will result in delays or rejections. Not to mention, this delays can be costly due to the perishable nature of agricultural products.

In addition, other entities may be involved in regulating imports through the administration of licenses or, in some cases, quotas established on agricultural products. Due to the complex nature of the import clearance process, importers (or exporters) in general hire licensed customs attorneys/brokers to handle the needed work.

KCS is responsible for ensuring that the imported shipment has satisfied every requirement. This includes documentation, inspections and import tariffs, before releasing the product from the bonded area. Therefore, the respective quarantine inspection authorities (MFDS and QIA) must clear the shipment before KCS will clear it. All new-to-market products are subject to mandatory laboratory inspection. Subsequent shipments of the same product that have passed the first laboratory inspection will be eligible for much simpler/shorter documentary/visual inspection. But it could still be subject to laboratory testing on a random basis. 

The duration for MDFS Inspection

• Document Inspection: about 2 days
• Visual Inspection: about 3 days
• Laboratory Inspection: about 10 days
• Random Inspection: about 5 days
• Incubation Test: about 14 days

Documents/Information Generally Required by the Korean Authority for Imported Food

1. Commercial Invoice
2. Bill of Lading (or Airway Bill)
3. Packing List
4. Certificate of Origin
5. Names of all ingredients and composition percentage of major ingredients
6. Names and contents of all food additives
7. Processing Flow Chart
8. Export health/sanitary certificate (for meat, fruit, nuts, vegetables, plants, grains, etc.)

Korean Language Labeling Requirements

All imported food products are required to carry legible Korean language labels to enter the market. Stickers may be used but should not be easily removable nor should they cover the original label. Labels must contain the following information listed below (for further details and exceptions, please refer to the FAIRS Country Report).

1. Product name
2. Product type
3. Importer’s name and address
4. Manufacturer date
5. Shelf life or best before date
6. Contents (calories)
7. Ingredient name(s) and content
8. Composite ingredients
9. Additives
10. Allergens
11. Nutrients
12. Other items designated by the detailed labeling standards for food, such as public health warnings

What SEAH Bio Solution Can Offer

Therefore, SEAH Bio Solution (SBS) present as a healthcare activation leader in providing strategic solution for the food, beverage, and health supplement business with extensive market knowledge. SBS has been supporting and advising the regulatory evaluation, agency interactions, marketing services, sales and marketing, and the strategic consulting. Also, supported by our headquarter office in Korea, SBS works for the clients worldwide for the strategic development to meet their needs. Besides, SBS assists clients in successfully meeting regulatory obligations and bring their products to the Korean market in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner.