Grapes market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, South Korea's grape production reached 175.4 thousand tons, but fell to 166.2 thousand tons in 2019 as weak prices for the popular Shine Muscat variety reduced incentives for growers. The overall vineyard area had been declining due to farmer aging, urban development, and farm closure programs under free trade agreements, though the introduction of Shine Muscat partially offset this in some regions. By 2020, production stabilized at 165.9 thousand tons, while climate variability increased uncertainty in the sector.

From 2021 onward, production began to recover, rising to 188.8 thousand tons in 2022 and reaching 195.7 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was driven by government policies modernizing vineyards and raising productivity under competitiveness measures linked to trade agreements. Concurrently, consumer preferences shifted toward seedless, high-sugar varieties like Shine Muscat, which encouraged area expansion for these grapes and the adoption of forced cultivation in vinyl houses. The increase in domestic output contributed to a decline in fresh grape imports over the period.

Production grapes in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of grapes, 2017-2020

South Korea's grape production volume has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 165.9 thousand tonnes, remaining nearly unchanged compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 12.8%, which translates to an annualized decline of 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports grapes from South Korea

Exports in kind, t

South Korea's grape export volume has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1,992 tonnes, marking a 6.4% rise from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 61.4%, equivalent to an annualized increase of 17.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and China were the main destinations for South Korea's grape exports, together accounting for 57.0% of total export volume. Vietnam led with 22.5%, followed by Hong Kong at 21.7%, and China at 12.9%.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South Korea in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

South Korea's grape exports in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 30.8 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp year-over-year improvement of 34.8%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 260.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 53.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Korea in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and China remained the largest markets for South Korea's grape exports in value terms, collectively representing 71.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South Korea in value, 2017-2020

Imports grapes to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, South Korea's grape imports declined. In 2020, imports totaled 59,965 tonnes, down by 18.3% from the previous year. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 73,359 tonnes, with the largest increase of 15.4% also occurring that year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 7.2%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Chile and the United States dominated South Korea's grape imports by volume, together forming 82.6% of total imports. Chile accounted for 52.5%, while the United States contributed 30.0%, with the remainder distributed among other partners.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South Korea in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year improvement, South Korea's grape imports in value terms declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 190.9 million US dollars, down by 10.9% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 214.3 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 17.2% also in that year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 18.9%, equating to an annualized increase of 5.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Korea in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Chile and the United States remained the primary suppliers of grapes to South Korea in value terms, with a combined share of 81.5% of total imports. The remaining portion was fragmented across other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South Korea in value, 2017-2020