South Korea Cheese Market

South Korea Cheese Market Overview:

The South Korea cheese market size reached USD 1,772.13 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 3,443.92 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.87% during 2025-2033. The is following steady growth on account of Western diet influence, health awareness, and higher demand for premium and artisanal variants. Cheese is being incorporated by consumers into contemporary and traditional foodstuffs, and the market keeps on getting diversified with functional and plant-based substitutes. Urbanization, rising disposable income, and changing food trends are further fueling retail and foodservice growth. These factors collectively contribute to a notable increase in consumption, shaping the evolving landscape of the South Korea cheese market share.

South Korea Cheese Market Trends:

Change towards Westernized Food Consumption Patterns

South Korea is experiencing a notable change in consumer food consumption patterns with Western-type meals becoming more prominent in everyday consumption. Cheese, which was earlier a niche product, is rapidly becoming an integral part of home-cooked meals and restaurant menus. The popularity of Western fare like pizza, pasta, and sandwiches has significantly boosted demand for a range of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese. Korean consumers are also incorporating cheese into local foods, leading to culinary fusion that blends global and traditional Korean flavors. This new food trend is largely driven by younger generations, who are more influenced by global food culture through travel, media exposure, and the internet. Consequently, the rising usage of cheese in day-to-day dishes is a characteristic element of South Korea cheese market trends underpinning the continued growth in the market in both foodservice and retail channels.

Growth of Premium and Artisanal Cheese Segment

Increasing demand for premium and artisanal cheese is observed in South Korea, fueled by increased disposable incomes, health-oriented consumer behavior, and improved knowledge regarding high-quality ingredients. Discerning consumers are venturing into aged cheeses, organic products, and specialty imports with unique flavor profiles and textures. These trends are also supported by gourmet dining culture and the need for upscale home culinary experiences. Artisan cheese is also becoming recognized for its craftsmanship and production transparency, qualities that appeal to South Korean consumers who demand authenticity and food origin. Furthermore, expertly curated cheese paired with wine and premium snacks is increasingly common, particularly among city dwellers. This trend toward specialty cheese is a sign of shifting consumer taste and a willingness to seek out more complex gastronomic experiences. As such, the demand for premium products is an essential current market dynamic, supporting significant growth within the market expansion story.

Rise of Health-Oriented Cheese Products

To meet growing health awareness among South Korean consumers, demand for cheese products that address nutritional requirements, including high-protein, low-fat, and lactose-free ones, is growing. These products resonate with a broad group of consumers, ranging from fitness professionals to young working professionals and family groups with dietary intolerance. Product formulation innovations have enabled manufacturers to launch functional cheese with probiotics, calcium, and vitamins added, in line with the nation's wider wellness trends within the food and beverage industry. In addition, plant-based and vegan alternatives for cheese are on the rise as sustainability and health become highly linked to consumer choice. For instance, in May 2023, South Korea's Armored Fresh entered the U.S. market with a range of plant-based cheese products made through almond milk fermentation, with availability online and planned expansion in several American states. Moreover, the presence of health-focusing cheese in handy forms like slices, spreads, and snack packs is further increasing its appeal among busy urban dwellers. With consumers still focusing on health without forgoing taste, the trend contributes significantly to South Korea cheese market growth, further setting the path toward evolving market preferences for functional and healthy alternatives.

South Korea Cheese Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on source, type, product, format, and distribution channel.

Source Insights:

• Cow Milk
• Buffalo Milk
• Goat Milk
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the source. This includes cow milk, buffalo milk, goat milk, and others.

Type Insights:

• Natural
• Processed

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type have also been provided in the report. This includes natural and processed.

Product Insights:

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Feta
• Parmesan
• Roquefort
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product. This includes mozzarella, cheddar, feta, parmesan, roquefort, and others.

Format Insights:

• Slices
• Diced/Cubes
• Shredded
• Blocks
• Spreads
• Liquid
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the format have also been provided in the report. This includes slices, diced/cubes, shredded, blocks, spreads, liquid, and others.

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel. This includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, online, and others.

Regional Insights:

• Seoul Capital Area
• Yeongnam (Southeastern Region)
• Honam (Southwestern Region)
• Hoseo (Central Region)
• Others

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Seoul Capital Area, Yeongnam (Southeastern Region), Honam (Southwestern Region), Hoseo (Central Region), and others.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

South Korea Cheese Market News:

• In May 2024, New Culture collaborated with South Korea's CJ CheilJedang to expand production of its animal-free mozzarella cheese. The partnership targets cost reduction and accessibility of precision-fermented cheese, after the GRAS approval of its dairy-identical casein in February 2024.
• In February 2024, U.S. based company Pureture collaborated with South Korea's Namyang Dairy Products to introduce casein-based vegan cheese alternatives. The use of yeast-fermented casein provides melt and stretch without additives. The collaboration comes before Pureture's $12M seed funding round to grow sustainable plant-based dairy innovations in South Korea.

South Korea Cheese Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the South Korea cheese market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea cheese market on the basis of source?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea cheese market on the basis of type?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea cheese market on the basis of product?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea cheese market on the basis of format?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea cheese market on the basis of distribution channel?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea cheese market on the basis of region?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the South Korea cheese market? 
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the South Korea cheese?
• What is the structure of the South Korea cheese market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the South Korea cheese market? 

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the South Korea cheese market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the South Korea cheese market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the South Korea cheese industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.