South Korean online retailers experienced a record year in 2025, with overseas sales hitting a new high for the third consecutive year, according to recent government data. This growth underscores the increasing global demand for Korean products.
Data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics reveals that outbound online sales from South Korean businesses reached 3.02 trillion won (US$2.09 billion) last year, marking a significant 16.4 percent increase compared to the previous year. This upward trend has been consistent since 2023, highlighting the sustained popularity of Korean goods abroad.
Analyzing sales by region shows strong growth in key markets. Sales to the United States jumped by 26.3 percent year-on-year, while sales to China increased by 10.9 percent. However, sales to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), comprising 10 member countries, experienced a slight decrease of 4.4 percent.
A breakdown by product category reveals a remarkable surge in food and beverage sales, which increased by 49.2 percent to reach 112.9 billion won. This represents the highest level since the statistical standards were revised in 2017, indicating a growing international appetite for Korean cuisine and beverages.
