Food Sector Growth Program: Seafood Study Tour and Expo to Korea

South Korea is one of the world’s largest seafood-consuming nations, both in total volume and per capita intake. With annual seafood imports reaching 2 million tons, worth around US$6 billion, and per capita consumption of over 62 kgs, Korea consistently ranks within the world’s top tier in terms of overall demand. This reflects not only the country’s strong seafood-oriented culinary culture but also its advanced cold-chain infrastructure and broad, well-established distribution networks across retail and food service sectors. 

In recent years, Korea’s seafood consumption has continued to expand, driven by increasing interest in healthy, high-quality protein and a growing preference for sustainable and traceable food sources. Imported seafood products have gained significant momentum as Korean buyers actively seek new species, premium quality, and differentiated origins to meet evolving consumer expectations.  

Top imports by species in Korea by Value (2025) are Squid, Salmon, Shrimp meat, Shrimp, Alaska Pollack, Long-legged Octopus, Tuna, Mackerel, Webfoot Octopus, Flatfish (Plaice). 

However, opportunities are available for more familiar species from the Finnish perspective such as salmon, rainbow trout and herring. The visit program provides you with an opportunity to showcase your products, meet local importers, distributors and retailers in two major cities in South Korea, Busan Seoul. In Busan we will participate in the international seafood expo BISFE 2026. 

Register by 30 June 2026