Visitors attend the 2026 K-Wellness Food & Tourism Fair at aT Center in Seocho District, Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap
Korea’s food exports are climbing steadily even as war-driven disruptions in the Middle East force exporters to reroute shipments, absorb higher logistics costs and rebuild supply chains in real time.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said Thursday that cumulative K-food exports reached 5.38 trillion won ($3.58 billion) through April, up 4.7 percent from $3.42 billion a year earlier.
Instant noodles remained the dominant export category at $616.6 million, followed by confectionery at $265 million, beverages at $236.7 million and processed rice products at $101.2 million.
Fresh fruit exports also rose, led by strawberries at $57.4 million, grapes at $17.5 million and pears at $7.7 million.
