K-food is popular...Agri-food exports 'largest ever' this year

As Korean food such as gimbap, tteokbokki, ramen, and snacks became popular around the world, the export of agri-food reached an all-time high this year.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, agricultural exports rose nearly 9% from the same period last year to $8.19 billion in October this year, and 11.3 trillion won in Korean money.

In particular, exports of rice processed foods, ramen, snacks and beverages, which are key export items, all reached new highs.

Exports of rice-processed foods such as frozen kimbap, instant rice, and tteokbokki rose 42% from last year to $250 million, which has already exceeded exports last year.

Ramen exports, the largest in exports, rose 30% from last year to $1.02 billion, the highest ever.

By export country, exports to the United States, the largest market, increased by 56%, and exports to China increased by 40% as frozen gimbap was included in the export items.

Snacks and beverage exporters, which are showing growth in exports, will hold discount events at large discount stores and convenience stores this month to share export performance with domestic consumers.