South Koreans consumed an average of 30 kilograms of pork per person in 2024. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 4 (Korea Bizwire) — South Koreans consumed an average of 30 kilograms of pork per person in 2024, marking a 6.8% increase from the average consumption of the past several years, according to a report released Monday by the Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI).
The figure, published in the KREI’s “Agricultural Outlook 2025” report, represents an increase from the previous year’s estimate of 29.6 kilograms per person and is higher than the 28.1-kilogram average consumption recorded between 2019 and 2023. The 2024 total is nearly twice the amount of chicken (15.2 kilograms) and beef (14.9 kilograms) consumed per person, though still lower than per capita rice consumption, which stood at 55.8 kilograms.
The preference for pork is reflected in consumer surveys as well. A poll conducted by the KREI in December 2024 found that 63.2% of respondents ranked pork as their favorite meat to eat at home, compared with 21.1% for beef, 14.7% for chicken and just 1% for duck.
Among pork cuts, samgyeopsal, or pork belly, remained the overwhelming favorite, with 60% of respondents saying it was their preferred choice, followed by pork shoulder (24.5%), ribs (7.8%) and front or hind leg cuts (4.4%).
Domestic pork production is expected to remain stable this year at around 1.13 million metric tons, according to KREI projections. Wholesale prices are also anticipated to stay in line with last year’s average of 5,239 won per kilogram, ranging between 5,100 and 5,300 won per kilogram. The country’s self-sufficiency rate for pork stood at 72% in 2024.
Monday also marked South Korea’s annual Samgyeopsal Day, a marketing initiative launched by livestock industry groups to support pig farmers. On March 3 each year, retailers across the country hold promotions and discounts on pork belly, one of the most popular cuts in South Korea.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
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