The global food industry is evolving rapidly — and South Korea’s food import sector has become one of the most dynamic in Asia. Driven by rising consumer demand for premium ingredients, international cuisines, and health-conscious products, South Korean food imports are projected to grow by over 8% in 2025.

Through the India–Korea CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), Indian importers now have easier access to South Korean food brands and manufacturers, opening new opportunities in the FMCG, hospitality, and retail sectors.

Here’s an overview of the Top 10 South Korean Food Imports shaping the market in 2025 — and how CEPA India helps Indian businesses tap into this growing trade.

top-10-south-korean-food-imports-2025

1. Processed & Packaged Foods

South Korea’s packaged food sector is booming, with high exports of instant noodles, sauces, soups, and ready-to-eat meals.
Brands like Samyang, Nongshim, and Ottogi dominate international shelves.

Why Import: Long shelf-life, unique Korean flavors, and wide consumer appeal.
CEPA India Role: Helps Indian importers connect with certified Korean manufacturers for bulk sourcing under CEPA tariff benefits.

2. Beverages (Non-Alcoholic & Functional Drinks)

From Korean iced teas and ginseng drinks to vitamin-infused beverages, South Korea leads in functional and health-based drink innovation.

Why Import: High demand in India’s fitness and wellness market.
CEPA India Role: Simplifies import licensing and ensures regulatory compliance for beverages containing herbal extracts.

3. Snacks & Confectionery

Korean snacks have gained huge popularity in India — especially seaweed crisps, rice chips, honey butter almonds, and chocolate-coated biscuits.

Why Import: Trend-driven youth market and viral online demand.
CEPA India Role: Supports retail and distribution brands in identifying trending SKUs and managing import paperwork.

4. Instant Noodles & Ramen

Instant noodles remain one of Korea’s largest global exports. The spicy Buldak Ramen (Fire Noodles) series continues to dominate in India’s online food retail platforms.

Why Import: Consistent consumer demand, brand recognition, and high profit margins.
CEPA India Role: Streamlines customs clearance and ensures CEPA-compliant documentation for processed food imports.

5. Sauces, Condiments & Seasonings

Korean sauces like Gochujang (red chili paste), Doenjang (soybean paste), and Soy Sauce varieties are seeing rising demand in both restaurants and retail.

Why Import: Fusion cuisine and Korean BBQ trends are expanding in India’s metro cities.
CEPA India Role: Connects importers with HACCP-certified Korean sauce manufacturers.

6. Frozen Foods

Frozen dumplings, Korean corndogs, and seafood items are rapidly becoming part of India’s premium frozen segment.

Why Import: Convenience-driven consumer trends and cold-chain improvements in India.
CEPA India Role: Assists importers in meeting FSSAI regulations for frozen food storage and import.

7. Health & Organic Food Products

Organic snacks, vegan products, and health supplements are gaining ground as consumers move toward conscious eating.

Why Import: Growth in India’s organic food retail and online health product platforms.
CEPA India Role: Provides documentation support for CEPA-based imports with organic and eco-friendly certifications.

8. Dairy-Based Products

Cheese, flavored milk, and yogurt-based drinks are expanding across South Korean exports, especially targeting Asian markets.

Why Import: Demand from restaurants, cafes, and dessert chains.
CEPA India Role: Helps in customs clearance for perishable food categories under CEPA compliance.

9. Seafood & Marine Products

South Korea is known for high-quality seaweed, fish, and shellfish exports. Indian hospitality and seafood processing industries are sourcing these in growing volumes.

Why Import: Expanding seafood consumption and rising demand in coastal cities.
CEPA India Role: Facilitates trade compliance, storage, and logistics coordination.

10. Korean Bakery Ingredients

Premium bread mixes, cake ingredients, and baking syrups are now being imported from Korea for India’s growing bakery industry.

Why Import: Korean bakery aesthetics and recipes are trending on social media.
CEPA India Role: Connects Indian bakeries and importers with trusted Korean ingredient suppliers.

The CEPA Advantage for South Korean Food Imports

Thanks to the India–Korea CEPA Agreement, Indian importers can enjoy:

  • Reduced or zero customs duties on certified Korean food items
  • Simplified documentation & faster customs clearance
  • Ease of trade under CEPA Certificate of Origin
  • Direct business connections with verified manufacturers

CEPA India assists in every step — from supplier verification and HS code classification to documentation and logistics support — ensuring a smooth and compliant import journey.

Why Partner with CEPA India for Food Imports

  • Access to verified Korean food brands
  • End-to-end trade documentation and CEPA benefits
  • FSSAI and customs compliance guidance
  • Bulk sourcing and logistics support
  • Reliable trade partnership with transparency

With CEPA India, Indian importers can confidently enter the Korean food trade ecosystem without facing the barriers of distance, regulation, or language.

Conclusion: Bringing Authentic Korean Taste to India

From fiery ramen to healthy ginseng drinks, South Korean food imports are transforming India’s culinary landscape.
By partnering with CEPA India, importers can take full advantage of CEPA trade benefits, build relationships with trusted Korean manufacturers, and introduce authentic Korean products to the Indian market. Explore. Import. Grow – with CEPA India.

FAQs – South Korean Food Imports (2025)

Q1. How can I import Korean food products to India?
Ans. You can import Korean food products through verified Korean suppliers under the India–Korea CEPA trade agreement. CEPA India assists with supplier connection, documentation, customs clearance, and FSSAI compliance.
Q2. What are the required documents to import Korean food items to India?
You’ll need:

  • Import Export Code (IEC)
  • FSSAI Import License
  • Product Ingredient List & Label Translation
  • Certificate of Origin (for CEPA benefits)
  • Bill of Entry and Invoice

CEPA India helps you compile and verify all necessary documents.
Q3. What are the top Korean food products imported to India?
Ans. The most popular Korean food imports include instant noodles, snacks, sauces (like gochujang), beverages, kimchi, and health supplements.
Q4. Can I import Korean ramen and snacks for resale in India?
Ans. Yes. CEPA India helps importers connect with trusted ramen and snack brands like Samyang, Nongshim, and Lotte while ensuring product registration under FSSAI regulations.
Q5. Do I get any tax or duty benefits under CEPA for Korean food imports?
Ans. Yes, the India–Korea CEPA agreement allows reduced or zero import duties on eligible food products, provided you submit the Certificate of Origin issued by Korean authorities.
Q6. What are the FSSAI regulations for importing Korean food?
Ans. All imported food must comply with FSSAI labeling, ingredient disclosure, and shelf-life norms. CEPA India guides you in getting pre-approval and ensuring compliance before shipment.
Q7. Can small businesses or startups import Korean food in bulk?
Ans. Absolutely. CEPA India supports both large importers and small businesses by offering low-volume, sample, and bulk import options through verified Korean manufacturers.
Q8. How long does it take to import Korean food products to India?
Ans. On average, it takes 20–30 days via sea freight and 7–10 days via air freight, depending on supplier location and customs clearance time.
Q9. How can CEPA India help me in importing South Korean food?
Ans. CEPA India provides end-to-end assistance — from identifying certified Korean suppliers and managing CEPA trade paperwork to ensuring FSSAI compliance and customs clearance.
Q10. Are Korean food products profitable to import into India?
Ans. Yes, Korean food imports are one of the fastest-growing FMCG categories in India, driven by K-Pop culture and growing consumer demand. CEPA India helps you build long-term sourcing strategies for maximum profit.