Report

The South Korea fast food market was valued at USD 18.05 Billion in 2024. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.60% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to attain a valuation of USD 28.30 Billion by 2034.

South Korea Fast Food Market Growth Rate

Fast food refers to food that is quickly prepared and served, often found in chain restaurants, and is typically less expensive and less nutritious. It is characterised by its quick cooking process or being pre-cooked, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking convenient and affordable meal options.

The South Korea fast food market is growing due to availability of affordable and wide range of fast food items such as spicy rice cakes , chicken cup, fish cakes, kimbap, blood sausage, donuts, and Korean pancakes. The convenience and affordability of fast food have made it a staple in the daily lives of many South Koreans, particularly among school-going and college students who are major consumers of fast food due to their busy schedules.

Key Trends and Developments

Growing prevalence of online ordering for home delivery and rising advent of single households are boosting the South Korea fast food market growth

April 2024

Burger King's parent company, Restaurant Brands International, is investing USD 300 million to modernise 1,100 Burger King restaurants. By 2028, 85% of Burger King's U.S. restaurants are expected to feature updated designs. The company aims to boost sales through new features like drive-thru pickup for mobile orders and self-order kiosks.

April 2024

A popular South Korean�coffee�shop, known as 'Camel Coffee', is set to open its first U.S. location in Los Angeles, bringing its unique offerings to American customers. The opening of this new location signifies the growing popularity and globalisation of South Korean culinary experiences.

April 2024

Orion Corporation's popular "Turtle Chips" snack has expanded its reach in the U.S., now available at Five Below and Miniso retail chains, as well as tech giants Google and Netflix offices. Orion's expansion into new retail channels is expected to boost North American sales to around USD 16 million this year.

July 2023

McDonald's Korea planned to expand its store count to 500 by 2030, up from the current 400 locations. The company aims to open 10 new stores by 2025, introduce eight large-scale drive-through stores, and renovate 12 existing locations by the end of 2024. It also planned to launch a new Jindo Green Onion Cream Croquette Burger as part of its "Taste of Korea" initiative.

Growing trend of coffee culture

There are more than 70,000 coffee stores in the country because of the emerging coffee culture among the Korean population. On average, adult Koreans consumed approximately 300 cups of coffee in the year 2021. The steady growth of coffee chains and cafes increases the consumption of bakery and confectionery items, thereby supporting the fast food industry.

Long working hours and high disposable income

Koreans have a hierarchy-based work environment where employees are expected to work longer hours. Due to this fact, a lot of people resort to fast food to relieve their hunger and reduce stress. Moreover, people don't get much time to prepare three meals every day because of their busy lifestyle, which further propels the fast food market in South Korea.

Growing prevalence of online transactions and home delivery

The pandemic made transactions via online platforms and doorstep delivery much more prevalent in the country. Therefore, a lot of food service providers now offer discounts and coupons to attract customers. Almost all the small and large cafes and restaurants now provide food delivery, which has boosted the food delivery segment in the industry.

Surge of exotic and western fast food chains in South Korea

One of the Asian nations that have seen extraordinarily quick economic development, modernisation and Westernisation over the past several decades in South Korea. Globalisation has hastened the spread of Western-style fast food restaurants like McDonald's and KFC, even in cultures that have strong links to their culinary heritage, like South Korea.

South Korea Fast food Market Trends

Most of the Korean population now follows the "Honjok" lifestyle, which means staying single. In 2020, 31.7% of people who are in their 20s and 30s preferred single-person households and living an independent life. This has also promoted the trend of "Honbap," which means eating alone. The younger generation is much more inclined toward this lifestyle to push back against family traditions and stereotypes and reshape society. It also leads people to opt for convenience foods, which is positively impacting the South Korea fast food market outlook.

However, consuming fast food frequently is hazardous to health as it increases the chances of developing insulin resistance, which leads to diabetes and weight gain. Many fast food dishes contain a high amount of sugar, which increases empty calorie consumption, and trans-fat disrupts the level of LDL and HDL cholesterol in the body. People who eat fast food are more prone to getting dental caries and skin problems. Moreover, the chance of developing depression is 51% higher among people who consume fast food. Due to all such factors, the emergence of healthy fast food options is gaining traction, which is bolstering the South Korea fast food market growth.

South Korea Fast food Industry Segmentation

The EMR's report titled "South Korea Fast food Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034" offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product Type:

- Spicy Rice Cakes
- Chicken Cup
- Fish Cakes
- Kimbap
- Blood Sausage
- Donuts
- Korean Pancakes
- Others

Market Breakup by End User:

- Full-Service Restaurants
- Quick Service Restaurants
- Caterings
- Others

Market Breakup by Provinces:

- North Chungcheong
- South Chungcheong
- Gangwon
- Gyeonggi
- North Gyeongsang
- South Gyeongsang
- North Jeolla
- South Jeolla
- Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

South Korea Fast Food Market Share

Fast foods like Kimbap and fish cakes are highly consumed in South Korea due to their easy availability in local markets

As per South Korea fast food market analysis, the rising prevalence of e-commerce and social media usage has been providing significant impetus to industry growth across the segments. Fast foods such as spicy rice cakes, chicken cup, fish cakes, kimbap, blood sausage, donuts, and Korean pancakes are some of the most well-liked and highly consumed fast foods in South Korea.

Apart from palatability, these food items are quite affordable and widely available in both packaged and freshly prepared forms. The "Honjok" and "Honbap" lifestyles have greatly contributed towards the fast food market growth in South Korea, as people who live in a single household usually prefer eating ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook, and fast food in their day-to-day lives. These lifestyle trends significantly propel the fast food market growth in South Korea.

Quick service restaurants have influenced the South Korea fast food market development due to their speedy service and marketing on social media

South Korea fast food market value is increasing due to the growing consumption via various mediums such as full-service restaurants, quick-service restaurants (QSRs), and catering , among others. Themed events, social media marketing, speedy service, and options for customising food orders are the main features driving the demand for quick-service restaurants in South Korea. Marketing and brand promotion via social media propels sales in all segments of the market.

The growth of the fast food market is significantly aided by the growing trend of "Mukbang". Mukbang motivates people to consume a large amount of food and break the extreme dieting trend among youth. School-going and college students are the major consumers of fast food in restaurants due to their busy schedules and affordability. Moreover, the emergence of healthy fast food is also gaining traction, which is bolstering the market growth in South Korea.

Leading Fast food Chains in the South Korea Fast Food Market

Market players are focused on adding fresh ingredients, finding low-calorie alternatives, and menu innovation to attract customers and stay competitive in the fast food industry

Lotteria Corporation

Lotteria Corporation�was established in February 1972 in Tokyo, Japan, and later expanded to Seoul, South Korea in 1979. Company's menu includes popular fast food items such as burgers, French fries, fried chicken, chicken wings, and chicken fingers.

McDonald's Corporation

McDonald's Corporation�was founded in 1940 and is headquartered in Illinois, United States. The company is a global fast food chain known for its iconic menu items such as Big Macs, Quarter Pounders, Chicken McNuggets, and world-famous French fries. McDonald's also offers a variety of breakfast items, salads, desserts, and beverages.

KFC Corporation

KFC Corporation�was founded in 1930 and is headquartered in Kentucky, United States. KFC's menu includes a variety of chicken products such as original recipe chicken, extra crispy chicken, and kentucky grilled chicken, along with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits.

Shake Shack Inc.

Shake Shack Inc.�was founded in July 2004 in New York City, United States, and is headquartered in the same city. The fast casual restaurant chain is known for its hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, chicken, milkshakes, custards, beer, and wine, with the ShackBurger being its most famous product. Shake Shack is now operating over 400 locations globally.

Other key players occupying significant South Korea fast food market share include Isaac Toast Co., Ltd., Mom's Touch Global, and Burger King Corporation, among others.

South Korea Fast Food Market Analysis by Provinces

Jeonju leads the market as it as a well-known location for the popular Korean dish 'bibimbap'

Based on provinces, the market is divided into some major regions, such as North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong, Gangwon, Gyeonggi, North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, and South Jeolla, and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.

The most well-known location for the popular Korean dish bibimbap is Jeonju. Both Jinju and Jeonju are highly recognised for their bibimbap variations. High-quality ingredients from the northern Jeolla area combined with Sunchang gochujang, exceptional cooking methods, and skillful food preparation give bibimbap its distinctive flavour. The palatability of the same food differs from region to region.

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