South Korea Plant-Based Meat Market

South Korea Plant-Based Meat Market Overview:

The South Korea plant-based meat market size reached USD 318.08 Million in 2024. Looking forward, the market is expected to reach USD 1,890.49 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 21.90% during 2025-2033. The market is gaining momentum with increasing consumer interest in sustainable diets and health-conscious alternatives. The rapid expansion of product offerings, including burgers, sausages, and seafood analogs, is supported by innovation in texture and flavor. Retailers and foodservice outlets are expanding their selections, contributing to the rising South Korea plant-based meat market share.

South Korea Plant-Based Meat Market Trends:

Rising Health and Wellness Awareness

A growing number of South Korean consumers are adopting plant-based diets due to increased awareness of health-related issues such as heart disease, obesity, and cholesterol. The sizeable majority is resorting to the meat alternative since it is believed to contain less saturated fat and no hazardous additives that are present in conventional meat sources. The change is being stimulated by younger generations such as millennials and Gen Z, who prefer clean-label, high-protein and low-processed foods. Healthy lifestyle relates more and more about products based on plants, whose marketing combines the concept of wellness and nutritional advantage. This is affecting the way people shop in retail stores, online retailers, and health food stores, where producers of food products are taking the initiative to increase their plant-based products and better the product content.

Environmental and Ethical Concerns

Concerns about environmental sustainability and animal welfare are strongly influencing the South Korea plant-based meat market growth. With rising awareness of climate change, carbon emissions from livestock farming, and ethical treatment of animals, consumers are seeking alternatives that align with their values. Plant-based meat is being promoted as a more sustainable option that reduces land and water use while emitting fewer greenhouse gases. Media coverage and advocacy by environmental organizations are reinforcing these concerns, particularly among eco-conscious consumers. As a result, demand for plant-based products is growing not only among vegetarians and vegans but also among flexitarians who occasionally reduce meat intake. This values-driven shift is prompting both startups and major food brands to innovate and invest in sustainable protein options.

Innovation and Expansion in Product Offerings

Advancements in food technology and investment in research and development are enabling South Korean companies to produce plant-based meat with improved taste, texture, and nutritional content. Modern formulations now closely mimic the mouthfeel and flavor of real meat, making them more appealing to traditional meat-eaters. This innovation is reflected in a wider variety of offerings, from burgers and sausages to Korean-style meat alternatives like bulgogi and mandu, tailored to local tastes. The growing presence of plant-based products in supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurant chains further supports their mainstream appeal. Food tech startups and global brands are entering the market, intensifying competition and driving further improvements in quality and affordability. This expanded accessibility is a key catalyst for continued market growth.

South Korea Plant-Based Meat 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 product type, source, meat type, and distribution channel.

Product Type Insights:

• Burger Patties
• Sausages
• Nuggets and Strips
• Ground Meat
• Meatballs
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on product type. This includes burger patties, sausages, nuggets and strips, ground meat, meatballs, and others.

Source Insights:

• Soy
• Wheat
• Peas
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the source have also been provided in the report. This includes soy, wheat, peas, and others.

Meat Type Insights:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Pork
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the meat type have also been provided in the report. This includes chicken, beef, pork, and others.

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Restaurants and Catering Industry
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience and Specialty Stores
• Online Retail

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel have also been provided in the report. This includes restaurants and catering industry, supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience and specialty stores, and online retail.

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 Plant-Based Meat Market News:

• In August 2024, SUJIS LINK, a food tech firm, received a strategic investment of ₩3 Billion (approximately $2.5 Million) from Samyang Foods. This funding follows a business agreement signed between the two companies in November, aimed at strengthening their collaboration and advancing joint efforts within South Korea’s growing alternative protein industry.

South Korea Plant-Based Meat Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the South Korea plant-based meat market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea plant-based meat market on the basis of product type?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea plant-based meat market on the basis of source?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea plant-based meat market on the basis of meat type?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea plant-based meat market on the basis of distribution channel?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea plant-based meat market on the basis of region?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the South Korea plant-based meat market? 
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the South Korea plant-based meat market?
• What is the structure of the South Korea plant-based meat market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the South Korea plant-based meat 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 plant-based meat market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the South Korea plant-based meat 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 plant-based meat 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.