Sheep and goat meat market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

The market for sheep and goat meat in South Korea remained stable from 2018 to 2020, with annual volumes hovering around 20 500 t. This period saw minimal year-to-year fluctuations, indicating steady consumption patterns.

A significant expansion began in 2021, with the market volume growing by over 14% to 23 384 t. The growth accelerated sharply in 2022, surging by 30% to 30 483 t, and continued in 2023 with a further 21% increase to 36 809 t. This rapid rise was driven by two key developments. First, a broader consumer trend towards frozen and chilled meat products boosted demand across the category. More directly, the anticipated ban on dog meat consumption by 2027 led to a swift shift in preference, with goat meat emerging as a popular alternative. This substitution effect triggered a surge in imports, which rose from 17 361 t in 2020 to 33 259 t in 2023, and supported a steady increase in domestic goat herd numbers.

By 2024, underlying health and sustainability trends further shaped the market. Health-conscious consumers increasingly sought out goat and sheep meat due to its lower fat, calorie, and cholesterol profile. At the same time, innovation in the sector focused on improving processed meat products, such as using natural spices to reduce distinctive odors, and the development of restructured meat offerings. The market also witnessed growing activity in sustainable meat alternatives, including plant-based and cultured meat, reflecting broader shifts in dietary preferences.

Production sheep and goat meat in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

In 2020, South Korea produced 3 117 tons of sheep and goat meat, representing a slight decrease of 1.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 14.1%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 5.0%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 13.6% reduction, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 0.4%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from South Korea

Based on desk-based market research, South Korea did not export any sheep and goat meat from 2017 to 2020.

Imports sheep and goat meat to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, South Korea imported 17 361 tons of sheep and goat meat, showing a 1.5% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 3.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.1%. The largest decline was observed in 2019 at 1.3%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 with a 3.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two key markets—Australia and New Zealand—dominated South Korea's sheep and goat meat imports in volume, together accounting for 100.0% of total imports.

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

In 2020, South Korea's sheep and goat meat imports reached 142.5 million US dollars, marking a 5.7% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value rose by 17.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 2.8%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 with a 14.4% jump.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Australia and New Zealand together accounted for 100.0% of South Korea's sheep and goat meat import value, indicating a highly concentrated market structure.

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

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