Sungsimdang Bakery at Daejeon Station. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
DAEJEON, July 18 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea is seeing a sharp rise in baking-related patents, driven by growing consumer demand for bread and a cultural shift toward Western-style diets, according to the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO).
Over the past two decades, more than 3,500 patent applications have been filed in the baking sector, growing at an average annual rate of 11%. In 2005, just 57 applications were submitted; by 2023, that number had jumped more than sevenfold to 416.
KIPO attributes the trend to changing dietary habits, with average daily bread consumption per person rising from 18.2 grams in 2012 to 21.5 grams in 2023, according to public health statistics.
The rise of “bread pilgrimages” — where consumers travel regionally to sample unique local breads — has also fueled innovation and legal protection efforts. Regional specialties such as Daejeon’s “Twigim Soboro” and “Buchu Bread,” Cheonan’s “Stone Kiln Manju,” Daegu’s “Whole Corn Bread,” Busan’s “Lotus Root Red Bean Bread,” Yeosu’s “Blue Crab Bread,” and Andong’s “Cream Cheese Bread” have all received patent registrations.
Particularly strong growth has occurred in slow-food-style fermentation methods using natural starters, with related patents rising at an annual rate of 26.5%. Patents for bread additives have increased 13.1% annually.
Technological advances have also emerged in the development of healthier breads — including sugar-free, high-protein, low-fat, gluten-free, and vegan options free of milk, butter, and eggs.
Notably, individuals and small businesses account for the majority of filings. Individual applicants made up 54.4%, while small and medium enterprises (SMEs) accounted for 23.3%. Universities and research institutes followed at 8.4%.
“Unlike most industries where patent filings are dominated by large corporations or academic institutions, baking patents highlight the entrepreneurial potential of individuals and small businesses,” said Jung Yeon-woo, director of patent examination planning at KIPO.
“As demand rises for bread that is both delicious and healthy, we will continue to support the growth of Korea’s baking industry into a globally recognized K-bakery brand through robust intellectual property strategies,” he added.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
