South Korea Doughnuts Market Research Report, 2030

Traditionally, South Korea's bakery scene was dominated by pastries and breads that emphasized soft textures and mildly sweet flavors, such as red bean-filled buns and milk bread. Doughnuts were relatively niche, often overshadowed by more conventional Korean snacks and desserts. However, the entry and expansion of international doughnut brands, most notably Krispy Kreme, introduced a new dimension to the market. Krispy Kreme’s innovative retail experiences, including the interactive 'Donut Theatre' concept, where customers can watch the doughnuts being freshly made, captured the imagination of consumers and helped elevate doughnuts from a simple snack to a desirable lifestyle product. This experiential approach not only drew customers but also created an emotional connection to the brand, driving repeat visits and fostering brand loyalty. The doughnuts became embedded in South Korea’s growing café culture, where young consumers increasingly seek out trendy, Instagrammable food items that combine aesthetic appeal with unique flavors. Moreover, the country’s vibrant Newtro culture a fusion of nostalgic and modern elements has spurred a renewed interest in classic desserts like doughnuts, but reinterpreted with contemporary twists. Artisanal bakeries and boutique doughnut shops have proliferated, introducing inventive flavors that incorporate traditional Korean ingredients like yuzu, black sesame, and sweet rice, alongside globally inspired variations. These shops often emphasize craftsmanship and high-quality ingredients, appealing to discerning consumers who appreciate the balance of heritage and innovation. The growing urban middle class and increasing disposable incomes have further fueled demand, making doughnuts a popular indulgence across diverse age groups, including students, office workers, and families. According to the research report "South Korea Doughnuts Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the South Korea Doughnuts Mannequin Market was valued at more than USD 210 Million in 2024. The evolving doughnut market in South Korea is also strongly shaped by rising health awareness and changing lifestyle patterns, which have prompted producers and retailers to innovate in both product formulation and marketing. As South Korean consumers become more conscious about the nutritional content of their food, there is an increasing appetite for doughnuts that offer a balance between indulgence and health benefits. This has led to the development of doughnuts made with whole grains, lower sugar content, and plant-based ingredients, catering to those seeking guilt-free treats without compromising flavor. The popularity of veganism and gluten-free diets, particularly among younger generations, has further stimulated demand for alternative doughnut options that meet diverse dietary needs. In addition, the growing number of single-person households and busy professionals in South Korea has heightened the preference for convenient, ready-to-eat snacks that can be enjoyed on the go. The surge in food delivery services, accelerated by technological advancements and lifestyle shifts, has also made doughnuts readily available at consumers’ doorsteps, broadening the market reach. Moreover, the integration of doughnuts into South Korea’s robust café culture where they are commonly paired with artisanal coffees, specialty teas, and seasonal beverages has further cemented their place as a fashionable and versatile snack option. These cafés often emphasize not just taste but also presentation and ambiance, aligning with consumer desires for experiences that go beyond mere consumption. The convergence of health consciousness, convenience, and cultural appreciation for quality and innovation positions the South Korean doughnut market for sustained expansion. Industry players are expected to continue exploring creative flavor profiles, health-conscious recipes, and novel retail concepts to meet the increasingly sophisticated expectations of consumers.

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South Korea's doughnuts market showcases a vibrant and diverse range of product types that cater to the sophisticated and evolving tastes of consumers who increasingly seek both traditional and innovative treats. Yeast doughnuts remain highly favored due to their light, fluffy texture and mildly sweet flavor, which aligns well with local preferences for snacks that are enjoyable yet not overly rich. Cake doughnuts offer a contrasting experience with their denser and more crumbly consistency, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial and satisfying bite. Filled doughnuts have become a significant segment, fueled by consumer interest in indulgent fillings ranging from classic fruit jams and custards to more regionally inspired flavors such as sweet red bean paste and matcha cream, which resonate deeply with South Korea's culinary heritage. Frosted and glazed doughnuts continue to captivate a younger demographic attracted to visually appealing and flavorful options that come with colorful toppings and diverse icing combinations, reflecting a trend towards playful and Instagram-worthy desserts. Other varieties such as mini doughnuts, powdered doughnuts, and savory flavors are also gaining traction as consumers seek variety and novelty, while mochi doughnuts stand out as a unique fusion item that combines the chewy texture of traditional rice cakes with Western doughnut shapes, blending cultural elements and broadening appeal. Quick service restaurants (QSRs) serve as prominent outlets, especially in urban centers where fast-paced lifestyles encourage consumers to grab doughnuts as part of quick meals or snacks on the go. Retail chains and convenience stores are widely accessible and contribute significantly to doughnut sales, offering a wide range of products that appeal to diverse consumer groups, from working professionals to students. The rise of online retail has transformed how doughnuts reach consumers, with food delivery platforms and e-commerce websites enabling fresh, customized, and premium doughnut assortments to be ordered effortlessly, expanding reach beyond traditional brick-and-mortar locations. Cafés and coffee shops are critical to the doughnuts market by offering premium, artisanal doughnuts that pair perfectly with specialty beverages, enhancing the consumer experience and tapping into the culture of socializing over coffee and desserts. Bakeries, ranging from large franchises to boutique artisan outlets, remain fundamental to product innovation, providing fresh and creative doughnut options that reflect both Western influences and local flavors. Furthermore, niche channels such as amusement parks, zoos, mobile food trucks, and pop-up stores add to the vibrant market ecosystem by offering seasonal, themed, and experiential doughnut varieties that attract diverse consumer segments. This complex distribution network ensures broad availability and convenience, driving increased consumption across South Korea. Individual consumers represent the largest segment, indulging in doughnuts as casual snacks, breakfast items, or desserts enjoyed at home or on the move, with preferences shaped by regional tastes, health trends, and innovative flavors. Catering services have emerged as an important consumer base, especially given South Korea’s vibrant event culture where doughnuts are often featured in weddings, corporate functions, festivals, and other celebrations, with customization and presentation playing key roles in their appeal. Corporate offices have increasingly embraced doughnuts as part of workplace culture, using them for employee engagement, celebrations, and informal meetings, reflecting the growing trend of enhancing workplace satisfaction and social interaction through shared snacks. Events and special occasions further drive demand, as doughnuts serve as popular treats that can be tailored to specific themes or cultural festivities. Additionally, other end users such as transportation hubs, airlines, and educational institutions contribute to the market by providing convenient, ready-to-eat doughnut options for commuters, travelers, students, and busy professionals. The varied end-user landscape necessitates a flexible and innovative approach to product development, packaging, and marketing strategies, ensuring that doughnuts continue to resonate with South Korea’s diverse and discerning consumer base.

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

Considered in this report • Historic Year: 2019 • Base year: 2024 • Estimated year: 2025 • Forecast year: 2030 Aspects covered in this report • Doughnuts Market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Product Type • Yeast Doughnuts • Cake Doughnuts • Filled Doughnuts • Frosted/Glazed Doughnuts • Others (mini, powdered, mochi, savory)

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By Sales Channel • Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) • Retail Chains • Convenience Stores • Online Retail • Cafés & Coffee Shops • Bakeries • Others (Amusement Parks & Zoos, Mobile Food Trucks & Pop-ups) By End User • Individual Consumers • Catering Services • Corporate Offices • Events & Occasions • Others (Transportation Hubs & Airlines, Educational Institutions) The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to this industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.