The US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) forecasts South Korea’s chicken consumption in 2027 at about 1.14 million tonnes, the same as 2026, according to its most recent poultry market report.
As production costs rise, food processors and foodservice businesses are expected to favour price-competitive imported chicken over domestic supply, keeping overall consumption stable. FAS said chicken is still seen in Korea as an affordable source of animal protein compared with beef and pork.
Consumption rose 2.3% year on year in 2026. Strong red meat prices boosted demand for cheaper chicken, while major sporting events, including the World Cup, the World Baseball Classic and the Asian Games, generated extra demand for fried chicken.
The market is changing, particularly in processed products, as consumer preferences expand beyond fried chicken and samgyetang. The growth in single-person households and the “Healthy Pleasure (Guilt-Free Indulgence)” trend have boosted convenience foods combining different sauces and cooking methods. Premium meal kits are also selling steadily for home dinners and camping.
Rising air fryer ownership is shifting purchases away from whole chickens towards selected cuts, with a clear preference for tender leg meat.
Industry surveys by the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation divide consumption into four channels. Foodservice and fried chicken franchises account for the largest share, at about 40% to 45%. Food processors making home meal replacement (HMR) products and meal kits follow at about 20% to 25% and are the fastest-growing channel. Institutional catering, covering schools, military units and corporate cafeterias, makes up about 15% to 20%, while household purchases through large discount marts and traditional markets account for about 10% to 15%.