South Korea’s fruit exports reached a record US$95.7 million in the first half of 2026, up 19.7 per cent from the same period last year, according to the agriculture ministry. The result follows a record annual export value of US$240.5 million in 2025, with government economists expecting exports in 2026 to exceed that level as the main harvest season falls in autumn and winter.

Industry observers attribute the growth to a high-sweetness product strategy, improvements in cold-chain logistics, and increased international interest in Korean food linked to the global popularity of Korean cultural content.

A spokesperson for the agriculture ministry says: “Local distributors and global consumers are increasingly treating Korean fruits as luxury boutique products. They consistently choose them over cheaper competitors for their superior sweetness and freshness.”

Strawberries accounted for more than 63 per cent of total fruit exports, reaching US$60.5 million, up 15.8 per cent. Singapore, with US$19.2 million, and Thailand, with US$16.5 million, were the leading markets.

Grape exports totaled US$17.8 million, an increase of 26.5 per cent, with Taiwan receiving more than half of shipments, driven largely by demand for the Shine Muscat variety. Pear exports increased 62.4 per cent to US$8 million, with the United States importing more than 55 per cent of Korea’s pear exports.

North and South Gyeongsang provinces accounted for more than 80 per cent of national fruit exports. According to the ministry, South Korea now exports seasonal fruit to 61 countries, the highest number on record.