Korea’s beer imports reached $218 million in 2023, up 11.8 percent from $195 million in 2022, but still 30 percent down from the record high of $310 million in 2018. Although Korea’s beer imports have been decreasing since the pandemic, the United States increased exports of beer to Korea in 2023, reaching $17.9 million, up 43% from $12.5 million in 2022. The United States is the fourth-largest supplier followed by Japan, Netherlands, and China. While American beer faces elevated competition in Korea against export-oriented competitors, increased demand for premium quality craft beer among the opinion-leading beer consumer groups should expand export opportunities for American beer to Korea in the coming years. ATO Seoul, in collaboration with Brewers Association, has been organizing ‘Great American Craft Beer Showcase’ at the Korea International Beer Expo since 2019 to introduce a variety of American craft beer to Korean buyers, importers and consumers.

Korean imports of cheese products continue to grow, seeing a five percent compound annual growth rate over the last five years. Mozzarella is the most imported cheese product and the United States is the leading supplier of cheese to Korea.

Korea depends heavily on imports to meet the demand for dried fruits, though overall demand has seen a slight decrease over the last five years. In 2023, the United States held roughly 53% of the market share for imported dried fruit.

South Korea's sales in the HRI food service sector reached 177.12 trillion KRW (137.1 billion USD), a 17.48 percent increase from 2021, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, monthly per capita spending on the HRI food service rose to 179,648 KRW (139.1 USD), up 10.66 percent from 2022 and 30.65 percent from 2021. This growth reflects not only people returning to pre-pandemic lifestyles but also rising menu prices coming from increased costs. Despite challenges such as inflation and changing market conditions, Korea’s HRI food service sector is expected to maintain slow but steady growth through menu diversification and new food technology to meet consumers’ evolving needs.

Korea’s wine import sector has been undergoing a stabilizing phase since the explosive growth around 2021. In 2023, wine imports reached 506 million USD, down 12.9 percent from the previous year, totaling 56.5 million kg, a decrease of 20.4 percent compared to 2022. Despite the overall decline in imports, convenience stores have experienced double-digit growth in wine sales, largely attributed to the emergence of the consumer-friendly smart order system. As Korean customers’ taste and interest in wine evolves, imports are anticipated to rebound. In 2023, the United States maintained its position as the second largest wine supplier to Korea by value for three consecutive years.