Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the South Korean market for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds showed notable volatility. Growth in 2019 reached 366 thousand tonnes, supported by a shift in consumer demand towards raw consumption and salads, which broadened usage beyond traditional dishes. The concurrent rise of the ready-meal market also contributed to higher volume.

A sharp contraction followed, with market size falling to 268 thousand tonnes by 2021. This decline was primarily driven by COVID-19 disruptions to distribution and consumption in 2020, and by extreme weather events in 2021 that significantly reduced domestic production. Recovery commenced in 2022, bolstered by the government's First Basic Plan for Fostering Succession and Young Farmers, which strengthened the production base, alongside growing consumer preference for locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.

Broader trends including the rapid expansion of online shopping and the adjustment of environmental policies, such as the move to ban plastic straws, shaped the market landscape during this period. Despite increased agricultural trade openness, domestic support and evolving demand helped the market volume rebound to 306 thousand tonnes in 2023.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea ranked 16th globally in the production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds.

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

In 2020, South Korea produced 325.3 thousand tons of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, marking a slight decline of 5.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 310.2 thousand tons, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 343.5 thousand tons. The most significant increase was observed in 2019, when production rose by 10.7%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from South Korea

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, South Korea exported 2,673 tons of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, representing a 26.8% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 49.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 2,750 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 23.3%, while the most substantial increase was in 2018, when exports surged by 53.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan dominated South Korea's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms, accounting for 84.3% of total shipments. The remaining exports were distributed among a variety of smaller trading partners.

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, K $ US

In 2020, South Korea's export value for pumpkins, squash, and gourds reached 3,348 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant increase of 68.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports in value terms rose by 85.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 23.0%. The most notable decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 28.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Japan was the primary market for South Korea's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms, capturing 70.2% of total export flows. The rest of the exports were spread across a fragmented group of other markets.

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 pumpkins, squash and gourds to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, South Korea imported 24,614 tons of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, showing a modest gain of 1.4% over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 24,824 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 2.2%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, when imports grew by 3.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand was the leading source for South Korea's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms, accounting for 86.5% of total imports. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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, K $ US

In 2020, South Korea's import value for pumpkins, squash, and gourds totaled 14,434 thousand US dollars, indicating a solid contraction of 13.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports in value terms decreased by 4.2%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 1.4%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 13,630 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 16,694 thousand US dollars. The most substantial increase was observed in 2019, when import value rose by 22.5%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, South Korea's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms were heavily concentrated on New Zealand, which accounted for 82.9% of total import flows. Other countries collectively made up the remaining share.

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

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