The South Korea fast food market value is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.60% between 2025 and 2034. Busy lifestyles and the growing number of single households in South Korea are majorly driving the fast food market.
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In South Korea, approximately 48.8% of Seoul residents consume fast food one to three times a month, while around 23.1% almost never eat fast food.
The fast food market growth is driven by factors like busy lifestyles, single households, and the appeal of convenience and variety in fast food options.
South Korea's high urbanisation rate, with 91.8% of its population residing in cities, has significantly contributed to the growth of its fast food market.
The country has witnessed a significant surge in online food delivery transactions, which reached 25.7 trillion won in 2021, representing a ninefold increase over a four-year period.
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Fast food refers to food that is quickly prepared and served, often found in chain restaurants, and is typically less expensive and less nutritious. It is characterised by its quick cooking process or being pre-cooked, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking convenient and affordable meal options.
The South Korea fast food market is growing due to availability of affordable and wide range of fast food items such as spicy rice cakes, chicken cup, fish cakes, kimbap, blood sausage, donuts, and Korean pancakes. The convenience and affordability of fast food have made it a staple in the daily lives of many South Koreans, particularly among school-going and college students who are major consumers of fast food due to their busy schedules.
Growing prevalence of online ordering for home delivery and rising advent of single households are boosting the South Korea fast food market growth
There are more than 70,000 coffee stores in the country because of the emerging coffee culture among the Korean population. On average, adult Koreans consumed approximately 300 cups of coffee in the year 2021. The steady growth of coffee chains and cafes increases the consumption of bakery and confectionery items, thereby supporting the fast food industry.
Koreans have a hierarchy-based work environment where employees are expected to work longer hours. Due to this fact, a lot of people resort to fast food to relieve their hunger and reduce stress. Moreover, people don’t get much time to prepare three meals every day because of their busy lifestyle, which further propels the fast food market in South Korea.
The pandemic made transactions via online platforms and doorstep delivery much more prevalent in the country. Therefore, a lot of food service providers now offer discounts and coupons to attract customers. Almost all the small and large cafes and restaurants now provide food delivery, which has boosted the food delivery segment in the industry.
One of the Asian nations that have seen extraordinarily quick economic development, modernisation and Westernisation over the past several decades in South Korea. Globalisation has hastened the spread of Western-style fast food restaurants like McDonald's and KFC, even in cultures that have strong links to their culinary heritage, like South Korea.
Most of the Korean population now follows the "Honjok" lifestyle, which means staying single. In 2020, 31.7% of people who are in their 20s and 30s preferred single-person households and living an independent life. This has also promoted the trend of "Honbap," which means eating alone. The younger generation is much more inclined toward this lifestyle to push back against family traditions and stereotypes and reshape society. It also leads people to opt for convenience foods, which is positively impacting the South Korea fast food market outlook.
However, consuming fast food frequently is hazardous to health as it increases the chances of developing insulin resistance, which leads to diabetes and weight gain. Many fast food dishes contain a high amount of sugar, which increases empty calorie consumption, and trans-fat disrupts the level of LDL and HDL cholesterol in the body. People who eat fast food are more prone to getting dental caries and skin problems. Moreover, the chance of developing depression is 51% higher among people who consume fast food. Due to all such factors, the emergence of healthy fast food options is gaining traction, which is bolstering the South Korea fast food market growth.
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The EMR’s report titled “South Korea Fast food Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Product Type:
Market Breakup by End User:
Market Breakup by Provinces:
Fast foods like Kimbap and fish cakes are highly consumed in South Korea due to their easy availability in local markets
As per South Korea fast food market analysis, the rising prevalence of e-commerce and social media usage has been providing significant impetus to industry growth across the segments. Fast foods such as spicy rice cakes, chicken cup, fish cakes, kimbap, blood sausage, donuts, and Korean pancakes are some of the most well-liked and highly consumed fast foods in South Korea.
Apart from palatability, these food items are quite affordable and widely available in both packaged and freshly prepared forms. The "Honjok" and "Honbap" lifestyles have greatly contributed towards the fast food market growth in South Korea, as people who live in a single household usually prefer eating ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook, and fast food in their day-to-day lives. These lifestyle trends significantly propel the fast food market growth in South Korea.
Quick service restaurants have influenced the South Korea fast food market development due to their speedy service and marketing on social media
South Korea fast food market value is increasing due to the growing consumption via various mediums such as full-service restaurants, quick-service restaurants (QSRs), and catering, among others. Themed events, social media marketing, speedy service, and options for customising food orders are the main features driving the demand for quick-service restaurants in South Korea. Marketing and brand promotion via social media propels sales in all segments of the market.
The growth of the fast food market is significantly aided by the growing trend of "Mukbang". Mukbang motivates people to consume a large amount of food and break the extreme dieting trend among youth. School-going and college students are the major consumers of fast food in restaurants due to their busy schedules and affordability. Moreover, the emergence of healthy fast food is also gaining traction, which is bolstering the market growth in South Korea.
Market players are focused on adding fresh ingredients, finding low-calorie alternatives, and menu innovation to attract customers and stay competitive in the fast food industry
Lotteria Corporation was established in February 1972 in Tokyo, Japan, and later expanded to Seoul, South Korea in 1979. Company’s menu includes popular fast food items such as burgers, French fries, fried chicken, chicken wings, and chicken fingers.
McDonald's Corporation was founded in 1940 and is headquartered in Illinois, United States. The company is a global fast food chain known for its iconic menu items such as Big Macs, Quarter Pounders, Chicken McNuggets, and world-famous French fries. McDonald's also offers a variety of breakfast items, salads, desserts, and beverages.
KFC Corporation was founded in 1930 and is headquartered in Kentucky, United States. KFC's menu includes a variety of chicken products such as original recipe chicken, extra crispy chicken, and kentucky grilled chicken, along with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits.
Shake Shack Inc. was founded in July 2004 in New York City, United States, and is headquartered in the same city. The fast casual restaurant chain is known for its hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, chicken, milkshakes, custards, beer, and wine, with the ShackBurger being its most famous product. Shake Shack is now operating over 400 locations globally.
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other key players occupying significant South Korea fast food market share include Isaac Toast Co., Ltd., Mom’s Touch Global, and Burger King Corporation, among others.
Jeonju leads the market as it as a well-known location for the popular Korean dish ‘bibimbap’
Based on provinces, the market is divided into some major regions, such as North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong, Gangwon, Gyeonggi, North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, and South Jeolla, and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.
The most well-known location for the popular Korean dish bibimbap is Jeonju. Both Jinju and Jeonju are highly recognised for their bibimbap variations. High-quality ingredients from the northern Jeolla area combined with Sunchang gochujang, exceptional cooking methods, and skillful food preparation give bibimbap its distinctive flavour. The palatability of the same food differs from region to region.
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South Korea Fast Food Market Size
South Korea Fast Food Market Growth
South Korea Fast Food Market Trends
South Korea Fast Food Market Share
*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
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The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.60% between 2025 and 2034.
The surge of western fast-food chains, the increasing trend of "honjok" and "honbap" lifestyles, the growing number of restaurants, increased use of social media and e-commerce are the major industry drivers.
The rising disposable income, the emergence of coffee culture, busy lifestyles, the prevalence of online transactions and doorstep delivery are the key trends aiding market expansion.
Fast food is popular due to its convenience, affordability, and quick service, catering to busy lifestyles and offering a wide variety of flavourful options.
Provinces considered in the market are North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong, Gangwon, Gyeonggi, North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.
Based on end user, the market is divided into full-service restaurants, quick service restaurants, caterings, and others.
The different type of fast food in the industry are spicy rice cakes, chicken cup, fish cakes, kimbap, blood sausage, donuts, and Korean pancakes, among others.
Key players in the market are Mom’s Touch Global, Lotteria Corporation, Mc Donald’s Corporation, KFC Corporation, Isaac Toast Co., Ltd., Burger King Corporation, and Shake Shack Inc., among others.
Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.
| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Historical Period | 2018-2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2034 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
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| Breakup by Product Type |
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| Breakup by End User |
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| Breakup by Provinces |
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| Market Dynamics |
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| Competitive Landscape |
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+1-415-325-5166
Australia
63 Fiona Drive, Tamworth, NSW
+61-448-061-727
India
C130 Sector 2 Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
+91-723-689-1189
Philippines
40th Floor, PBCom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor V.A Rufino St. Makati City, 1226.
+63-287-899-028, +63-967-048-3306
United Kingdom
6 Gardner Place, Becketts Close, Feltham TW14 0BX, Greater London
+44-753-713-2163
Vietnam
193/26/4 St.no.6, Ward Binh Hung Hoa, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City
+84-865-399-124
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