A recent report reveals that pork is the most preferred meat among South Korean consumers. In 2023, the average amount of pork consumed per person in the country reached 30 kilograms (about 66 pounds).
According to the Agricultural Outlook 2025 report released by the Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) on Monday, per capita pork consumption in 2024 is projected to remain steady at 30.0 kilograms, marking a 1.4% increase from the previous year’s 29.6 kilograms (approximately 65.2 pounds). This is also a 6.8% rise from the five-year average of 28.1 kilograms (roughly 62 pounds) (excluding the highest and lowest consumption years between 2019 and 2023).
The report also shows that South Korea’s per capita pork consumption last year was nearly double that of chicken (15.2 kg or 33.5 pounds) and beef (14.9 kg or 32.8 pounds). Compared to rice consumption (55.8 kg or 123 pounds), pork intake was about half.
Consumers in South Korea have shown a clear preference for pork over other meats. A survey conducted by KREI from December 16 to 22 last year found that 63.2% of respondents preferred pork for home-cooked meals. Beef came in second at 21.1%, chicken at 14.7%, and duck at just 1.0%.
The most popular cut of pork among South Korean consumers is pork belly, with 60.0% of survey respondents choosing it. Next in line are shoulder cuts (24.5%), ribs (7.8%), and front and hind leg cuts (4.4%).
KREI forecasts that pork production in 2024 will be similar to last year, estimated at around 1.13 million tons. As a result, the wholesale price of pork is expected to stay within the range of 5,100 to 5,300 Korean won (approximately $3.50 to $3.64) per kilogram, in line with last year’s average price of 5,239 Korean won (about $3.59).