South Korea Plant-based Meat Market Overview, 2029

South Korea's plant-based meat market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years as the demand for alternative protein options increases. Plant-based meat refers to products that mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional animal-based meat, but are made entirely from plant-based ingredients. South Korea has seen a surge in consumer interest in plant-based meat products, driven by factors such as health and environmental concerns, ethical considerations, and a desire for more sustainable food choices. The market has been particularly embraced by flexitarians, vegetarians, vegans, and individuals seeking to reduce their meat consumption. The availability and variety of plant-based meat products in South Korea have expanded rapidly. Local and international brands are introducing a wide range of plant-based meat alternatives, including burgers, sausages, nuggets, and minced meat substitutes. These products are often made from soy, wheat, peas, mushrooms, or other plant-based ingredients. Plant-based meat options have gained traction in South Korean restaurants and foodservice establishments. Many restaurants, cafes, and fast-food chains now offer plant-based meat alternatives on their menus to cater to the growing demand. This trend is particularly prominent in urban areas, where plant-based dining options are more readily available. The South Korean government has been supportive of the plant-based meat market, recognizing its potential to address public health, environmental, and sustainability concerns. Various initiatives and policies have been implemented to encourage the growth of the plant-based sector and facilitate the introduction of plant-based alternatives to traditional meat products.

According to the report title “south Korea Plant-based Meat Market Overview, 2026”, published by Bonafide research, the plant based meat market in south Korea is expected to grow over 12% during the forecast period ending 2026. South Korea is fast adapting to vegan meals that are readily made available in the market. Soy is the common source used to make plant based meat for South Korean markets while Pea is increasingly being experimented to make new plant based meat alternatives and expected to grow rapidly over the forecast period South Korea’s plant-based meat market is rapidly growing due to the growing health-conscious, environmentally aware, and sustainable lifestyles of the population. This shift in consumer preferences has led to a strong demand for plant-based meat alternatives that offer the taste, texture, and nutritional value of traditional meat products without ethical and environmental drawbacks. The diverse culinary landscape and multicultural influences have contributed to the development of a wide variety of plant-based meat products that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. The foodservice industry has also incorporated plant-based options into menus, allowing consumers to enjoy plant-based meals at restaurants, cafes, and fast-food chains. The South Korean government has played a role in supporting the plant-based meat market through policies and initiatives promoting plant-based diets and reducing reliance on animal agriculture.

Research and development programs, grants, and collaborations between industry stakeholders have fostered innovation and product development within the plant-based sector. Consumer education and awareness campaigns have played a vital role in driving the growth of the plant-based meat market in South Korea. The influx of international plant-based meat companies has expanded the product range and created healthy competition, further driving innovation and quality improvement in the sector. Collaborations between domestic and international companies have allowed for the exchange of expertise, resulting in a vibrant and dynamic plant-based meat market in South Korea.

Plant based chicken and pork together constitute for almost 80% of the market share while fish is less than a percent. Lamb and turkey are confined to traditional meat eating cultures and so consumed occasionally by the millennial. South Korea’s growing adaption to plant based meat can be attributed to Vegan South Korea’s campaigns held across the country. The vegan South Korea certified logo is a reliable symbol for consumers to enable purchase. The consumers can easily make choices with the logo as they meet Vegan South Korean standards. According to a survey almost 2.5 million South Koreans are vegans and 10 million have reduced meat intake that makes it second most vegan popular. Adelaide was 14th for highest number of vegans globally in 2020.

There are many hotels and restaurants across South Korea serving plant based meals due to which it has become a trend to be vegan. The retailers are now stocking up on various options available with the growing demands from the consumers for plant based meats. The retailers are investing in proper visibility of products at competitive prices. Some of the retailers have also launched their plant based products so as to be in the game to retain their regular consumers. Retailers have less than 30% market share but with new marketing policies and advertisements and increasing popularity of vegan food it is expected to flourish in the coming years. Leading retail chains to local cafes all are now catering to the increased demands for plant based food. Even the non-vegan restaurants along with guidance from Vegan South Korea are incorporating healthy vegan food menus to their customers. Clubs and pubs are jumping in the bandwagon to capture the market advantage of vegan food and drinks menu. Expanding food menus gives them the chance to cater to large number of customers. The pandemic has accelerated the sales in retail sector with many plant based meat product launches. The flexitarians are always are on a lookout to add variety to their diet as they buy both meat and non-meat products. Locally produced plant based meat products are lower priced than imported counterparts and so consumers always prefer the lesser priced one. This is also pushing the companies to locally procure raw materials and make plant based meat products in South Korea itself.



Considered in this report
• Geography: south korea
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• South Korea plant based meat products market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Five force models
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Source in the report
• Soy
• Pea
• Wheat
• Others (Quinoa, oats, nuts etc.)

Types of meat products in the report
• Burger Pattie
• Sausages
• Strips & Nuggets
• Meatballs
• Others

By Type in the report
• Beef
• Chicken
• Pork
• Fish
• Other (Lamb, Turkey)

By End-User in the report
• Retail
• HoReCa

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to plant based meat industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.

Keywords: New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, Western south korea, South south korea, Sydney, Darwin, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, meat, chicken , meatballs, sausages, vegan, animal meat, alternate meat, beef, pork, burger Pattie, wheat, soy, pea, gluten, fish, quinoa, legumes, seitan, lamb, turkey.