IMARC Group has recently released a new research study titled “South Korea Cheese Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Source, Type, Product, Format, Distribution Channel, and Region, 2025-2033.”, offers a detailed analysis of the market drivers, segmentation, growth opportunities, trends and competitive landscape to understand the current and future market scenarios.

South Korea Cheese Market Overview

The South Korea cheese market size reached USD 1,772.13 Million in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 3,443.92 Million by 2033. With a CAGR of 6.87% during 2025-2033, the market is expanding steadily due to the influence of Western diets, rising health awareness, and increasing demand for premium and artisanal cheeses. Urbanization and changing food trends are further accelerating growth in both retail and foodservice sectors.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2024
• Historical Years: 2019-2024
• Forecast Period: 2025-2033

South Korea Cheese Market Key Takeaways

• Current Market Size: USD 1,772.13 Million in 2024
• CAGR: 6.87% (2025-2033)
• Forecast Period: 2025-2033
• Western food consumption patterns are boosting the usage of cheese in everyday meals, especially with younger generations blending traditional Korean flavors with global cuisine.
• Increasing demand for premium and artisanal cheeses driven by higher disposable incomes and a growing gourmet dining culture.
• Rising popularity of health-oriented cheese products, including high-protein, low-fat, lactose-free, functional, and plant-based alternatives.
• Urbanization and disposable income growth are fueling retail and foodservice expansions.

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Market Growth Factors

The South Korea cheese market benefits from the rising influence of Westernized eating habits, with dishes like pizza, pasta, and sandwiches driving demand for various cheese types such as mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese. Younger consumers, influenced by global travel and media, are blending these with traditional Korean foods, reflecting a culinary fusion trend that increases cheese consumption in both home and foodservice settings.

Moreover, the premium and artisanal cheese segments are growing due to rising disposable incomes, health-conscious consumers, and demand for high-quality ingredients. Consumers increasingly seek aged, organic, and specialty cheeses with unique flavors and textures. This trend is supported by a gourmet dining culture and city dwellers’ preference for sophisticated culinary experiences, boosting market expansion.

Health awareness is also propelling demand for cheeses with nutritional benefits like high protein, low fat, and lactose-free options. Product innovation includes functional cheeses enriched with probiotics, calcium, and vitamins. Concurrently, plant-based and vegan cheese alternatives are emerging, tied closely to sustainability trends. These innovations appeal especially to active, urban consumers who value convenience and wellness without compromising taste.

Market Segmentation

Source Insights:

• Cow Milk: The predominant source of cheese production in South Korea.
• Buffalo Milk: Niche but present component of market offerings.
• Goat Milk: Specialty source contributing to diversified cheese products.
• Others: Includes various other milk sources used in cheese making.

Type Insights:

• Natural: Traditional cheese types made through conventional processes.
• Processed: Cheese products manufactured with additives or processing techniques.

Product Insights:

• Mozzarella: Widely used cheese, popular in Western dishes.
• Cheddar: A common cheese variant with broad consumer acceptance.
• Feta: Specialty cheese adding variety to the market.
• Parmesan: Premium cheese used in culinary dishes.
• Roquefort: Blue cheese variant representing artisanal options.
• Others: Additional cheese products available in the market.

Format Insights:

• Slices: Convenient serving style for sandwiches and ready use.
• Diced/Cubes: Used in cooking and salads.
• Shredded: For toppings and culinary applications.
• Blocks: Bulk cheese forms for versatility.
• Spreads: Soft and easy-to-apply cheese formats.
• Liquid: Cheese sauces and similar product forms.
• Others: Various other cheese formats.

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Leading retail outlets for cheese sales.
• Convenience Stores: Accessible points for quick purchases.
• Specialty Stores: Dedicated cheese and gourmet product stores.
• Online: Growing e-commerce channel for cheese.
• Others: Additional distribution channels.

Regional Insights

The report lists several major regional markets: Seoul Capital Area, Yeongnam (Southeastern Region), Honam (Southwestern Region), Hoseo (Central Region), and Others.

Recent Developments & News

In May 2024, New Culture partnered with CJ CheilJedang of South Korea to scale up production of animal-free mozzarella cheese, aiming to reduce costs and improve accessibility following the GRAS approval for dairy-identical casein in February 2024. Earlier, in February 2024, U.S.-based Pureture collaborated with Namyang Dairy Products to introduce yeast-fermented casein-based vegan cheese alternatives. This technology offers cheese with melt and stretch characteristics without additives. The collaboration preceded Pureture's $12 million seed funding round for sustainable plant-based dairy innovations in South Korea.

Key Players

• New Culture
• CJ CheilJedang
• Pureture
• Namyang Dairy Products

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