[Anchor]
Even with instability in the Middle East, K‑food exports are booming.
Driven by strong demand for instant noodles and snacks, overall agricultural and food exports reached $2.56 billion in the first quarter—an all‑time high, up 4% from a year earlier.
Reporter Han Ji‑yi has the details.
[Reporter]
To celebrate Ramadan, a K‑food pop‑up in Malaysia drew crowds eager to try Korean flavors.
After trying on traditional hanbok, visitors lined up to taste halal‑certified tteokbokki and a variety of Korean dishes.
“Maini / Thai participant” “It was great. Everything tasted delicious and I really enjoyed it. It was just a bit spicy.”
Over in Hangzhou, China, the vibe was similar.
Korean food companies met local buyers for export talks, and an immersive zone that recreated a Han River convenience store and a Korean spa, or jimjilbang, attracted 220,000 visitors—a clear sign of K‑food’s growing popularity.
“Hong Jang‑woo / Deputy Director, Shanghai Office, Korea Agro‑Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation” “We collaborated with the Korea Tourism Organization to offer diverse food experiences and attractions so K‑food’s popularity could help boost tourism.”
That momentum is reflected in export numbers.
Agricultural and food exports totaled $2.56 billion in the first quarter, a 4% increase from last year.
By region, the Middle East led the gains with growth exceeding 32%, followed by Greater China and North America.
By category, instant noodles and snacks led the way—up more than 26% and 11%, respectively—while beverages, processed rice products and ice cream also posted steady increases.
Fresh produce performed well too, led by strawberries, grapes and pears.
The government said it will step up support for exporters dealing with higher logistics costs and other burdens from a prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
It also plans to expand into alternative markets through buyer‑matching programs and export vouchers.
This is Han Ji‑yi for Yonhap News TV.
[Video editing: Yoon Hyun‑jung]
[Graphics: Heo Jin‑young]
For Yonhap News TV story inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23
Han Ji‑yi (hanji@yna.co.kr)
