Key Insights• According to the research report, "South Korea EPA & DHA Market Outlook, 2031," published by Actual Market Research, the South Korea EPA & DHA Market is anticipated to grow at more than 9.62% CAGR from 2026 to 2031.The South Korean EPA & DHA market is expanding rapidly as the country faces one of the fastest demographic aging trajectories in the world, a significant burden of cardiovascular disease, and a highly developed health functional food (HFF) sector in which omega-3 has become one of the fastest-growing categories. South Korea formally became a super-aged society in December 2024, when people aged 65 and older reached 10.24 million, or 20% of a population of approximately 51 million. According to Statistics Korea, the country recorded 358,569 deaths in 2024, up 1.7% from the previous year, with heart disease accounting for 9.4% of all deaths and ranking among the leading causes of death alongside cancer and pneumonia. Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) data show that domestic production of omega-3 EPA and DHA health functional foods surged 45.7% to KRW 258.1 billion in 2025, up from KRW 177.2 billion in 2024, making omega-3 the fourth-largest HFF category by production value. The growing clinical burden is placing additional pressure on Korea's National Health Insurance system and consumer health sector to strengthen access to EPA and DHA through health functional foods, prescription medicines, infant nutrition, and pet nutrition.• South Korea's EPA & DHA market is characterized by a sophisticated ecosystem comprising pharmaceutical companies, health functional food manufacturers, original design manufacturers (ODMs), e-commerce and home shopping channels, infant formula producers, and Antarctic krill harvesters. Leading participants include Chong Kun Dang Health, Korea Ginseng Corporation, Kuhnil Pharmaceutical, Yuhan, Daewoong, Nutrione, and Kolmar BNH, with distribution through Coupang, Naver, home shopping networks, pharmacies, and Olive Young.

South Korea is also among the leading Antarctic krill harvesting nations, with Korean vessels catching 28,622 tonnes, or 4.6% of the total Antarctic krill catch, in 2025, supporting domestic krill oil production. MFDS attributes the strong growth of omega-3 production to rising demand from both domestic and international markets, reflecting the growing export role of Korean HFF manufacturers.• Regulatory oversight for EPA and DHA products is administered by the MFDS under the Health Functional Foods Act. EPA and DHA-containing oils are listed as notified functional ingredients in the Health Functional Food Code, with defined daily intake levels and approved functional claims, including support for blood triglyceride improvement, blood circulation, and, for DHA, memory improvement and eye health. Products must be manufactured by licensed HFF manufacturers and carry the official HFF certification mark. Prescription omega-3-acid ethyl esters and other omega-3 medicines are approved by the MFDS under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, while infant formula is regulated under the Food Code and the Food Sanitation Act. In 2024, the MFDS launched a pilot program allowing individuals to resell unopened health functional foods through online platforms, which was extended in May 2025 through December 31, 2025, despite opposition from the Korean Pharmaceutical Association.Market Outlook• A defining characteristic of South Korea's EPA & DHA market is the rapid growth and premiumization of omega-3 within the health functional food sector.

While vitamins and minerals, red ginseng, and probiotics remain the largest HFF categories, omega-3 recorded the strongest growth among the top five categories in 2025, as red ginseng and probiotics production declined by 14.2% and 5.6%, respectively. Korean consumers are shifting toward high-concentration rTG (re-esterified triglyceride) omega-3, small-capsule formats, krill oil, and algal omega-3, with brands emphasizing purity, low oxidation, and sustainability certifications. E-commerce platforms such as Coupang and Naver, along with live commerce and home shopping, have accelerated product discovery and repeat purchasing, while ODMs such as Kolmar BNH and Cosmax NBT are supplying both domestic brands and export customers.• The market also reflects South Korea's growing emphasis on healthy aging and chronic disease prevention. The government's policies for a super-aged society prioritize the management of chronic diseases and the promotion of healthy life expectancy, supporting demand for products that address cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and eye health. In infant nutrition, South Korea recorded 254,457 births in 2025, up 6.8% from 2024 and the largest percentage increase since 2007, with the total fertility rate rising to 0.80 from 0.75, marking a second consecutive year of recovery. This rebound is providing renewed support for premium DHA-fortified infant formula and maternal supplements, after years of decline.

Simultaneously, the pet sector continues to expand, with 5.91 million pet-owning households at the end of 2024, according to KB Financial Group's 2025 Korea Pet Report.Market DynamicsDriver: Super-aged society and cardiovascular disease burden supported by a strong health functional food cultureSouth Korea's EPA & DHA market is primarily driven by rapid demographic aging and the high prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic disease. People aged 65 and older reached 20% of the population in December 2024, and heart disease accounted for 9.4% of deaths in 2024, according to Statistics Korea. Korean consumers have one of the highest rates of health functional food use in Asia, supported by trust in the MFDS certification system and the availability of officially approved functional claims for EPA and DHA, including blood triglyceride improvement and blood circulation. Omega-3 production surged 45.7% to KRW 258.1 billion in 2025, according to MFDS, reflecting strong domestic and export demand. As the population continues to age and awareness of preventive health grows, e-commerce platforms, pharmacies, and home shopping channels are witnessing sustained demand for EPA and DHA products.Challenge: Intense competition, raw material volatility, and regulatory scrutiny of sales channelsOne of the principal challenges facing South Korea's EPA & DHA market is intense competition among domestic brands and private labels, which is driving price promotions on e-commerce platforms and compressing margins. At the same time, raw material costs remain volatile.

Peru's first 2026 north-central anchovy quota was set approximately 36% lower than in 2025, while the CCAMLR Antarctic krill fishery closed early on August 1, 2025, and again on August 12, 2026, after catches reached the 620,000 tonne trigger level, constraining krill supply for Korean harvesters and krill oil manufacturers. Additionally, the MFDS pilot program allowing individual resale of health functional foods has drawn criticism from the Korean Pharmaceutical Association over violations involving opened, refrigerated, and short-dated products, highlighting ongoing regulatory debate over HFF sales channels. Together, these factors contribute to pricing pressure and regulatory uncertainty.Trend: High-concentration rTG omega-3, export growth, and the rebound in birthsSouth Korea is experiencing a significant shift toward premium and high-concentration omega-3 formats supported by consumer interest in purity and efficacy. rTG omega-3 products with high EPA and DHA concentrations, mini-capsules, and krill oil have become mainstream, while algal omega-3 is gaining traction among younger and vegetarian consumers. Korean ODMs and HFF manufacturers are expanding exports of omega-3 products to China, Southeast Asia, and the U.S., contributing to the 45.7% increase in omega-3 production in 2025. Simultaneously, the rebound in births in 2024 and 2025 is supporting renewed investment in maternal and infant nutrition, including DHA-fortified infant formula and prenatal supplements from companies such as Maeil Dairies and Namyang Dairy Products. The pet nutrition sector is also growing, with 2.17 million cats at the end of 2024 continuing to rise and premium pet foods incorporating fish oil gaining share.Policies• Health Functional Foods Act and HFF Code: EPA and DHA-containing oils are regulated as notified functional ingredients under the Health Functional Foods Act and listed in the Health Functional Food Code, which specifies standards, daily intake levels, and approved functional claims.

Products must be manufactured by licensed HFF manufacturers and display the official HFF certification mark.• Individually Recognized Functional Ingredients: Novel omega-3 sources and formulations not covered by the HFF Code can be approved as individually recognized functional ingredients by the MFDS based on safety and efficacy evidence, enabling innovation in krill oil, algal oil, and specialized omega-3 products.• Individual Resale Pilot Program: The MFDS pilot program launched in 2024 allows individuals to resell unopened, room-temperature health functional foods through designated online platforms, subject to transaction limits and expiry conditions. The program was extended in May 2025 through December 31, 2025.• Pharmaceutical Affairs Act: Prescription omega-3 medicines, including omega-3-acid ethyl esters for hypertriglyceridemia, are approved by the MFDS and reimbursed under the National Health Insurance Service, with fixed-dose combinations of omega-3 and statins widely used in Korea.• Infant Formula and Food Code: Infant formula is regulated under the Food Code and the Food Sanitation Act, which set compositional and safety requirements, including provisions for DHA, while advertising and labelling are subject to the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods.Segment AnalysisSouth Korea EPA & DHA Market By Product Type• EPA–DHA Blends represent the largest revenue-generating product category in South Korea due to their widespread use in rTG omega-3 health functional foods, fish oil capsules, and krill oil. Blended products carry MFDS-approved claims for blood triglyceride improvement and blood circulation, and are primarily purchased by middle-aged and older consumers. Omega-3 EPA and DHA production reached KRW 258.1 billion in 2025.• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) maintains an important position within South Korea, particularly in infant formula, children's supplements, maternal products, and memory and eye health HFFs. The rebound in births to 254,457 in 2025 is supporting renewed DHA demand in maternal and infant nutrition.• Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) represents the fastest-growing product type segment in South Korea, driven by physician use of omega-3 and statin combinations for dyslipidemia and consumer interest in high-EPA concentrates for cardiovascular health.South Korea EPA & DHA Market By Source• Fish Oil represents the leading revenue-generating source category in South Korea due to its cost-effectiveness and dominance in rTG omega-3 HFF products, with refined oils imported from Peru, Chile, Norway, and other origins.• Algae Oil maintains a growing position within South Korea, particularly in infant formula, children's products, and vegetarian supplements, supported by demand for sustainable and contaminant-free omega-3.• Krill Oil is a significant premium source category in South Korea, supported by domestic krill harvesting of 28,622 tonnes in 2025 and strong consumer awareness of krill oil through home shopping and e-commerce.• Other Marine Sources hold a niche position in the Korean market, including salmon oil, seal oil, and green-lipped mussel extracts, primarily used in specialty supplements and pet nutrition.South Korea EPA & DHA Market By Application• Dietary Supplements, primarily health functional foods, represent the largest application segment in South Korea, with omega-3 ranking fourth by production value among HFF categories in 2025 and recording the strongest growth among the top five categories.• Pharmaceuticals represent an important application segment, including prescription omega-3-acid ethyl esters and omega-3 and statin fixed-dose combinations reimbursed by the National Health Insurance Service.• Infant Formula represents a strategically important application segment, with DHA widely included in formulas. Births rose 6.8% to 254,457 in 2025, providing renewed volume support.• Food & Beverages encompasses DHA-fortified milk, yogurt, children's snacks, and functional beverages.• Clinical Nutrition & Medical Foods includes enteral and parenteral nutrition products containing fish oil, used in hospitals and long-term care facilities serving Korea's rapidly aging population.• Pet Nutrition represents the fastest-growing application segment in South Korea, supported by 5.91 million pet-owning households, 5.46 million dogs, and 2.17 million cats at the end of 2024, according to KB Financial Group's 2025 Korea Pet Report.Major EPA & DHA Manufacturers Operating in South Korea• Chong Kun Dang Health, Korea Ginseng Corporation, Kuhnil Pharmaceutical, Yuhan, Daewoong, Nutrione, Kolmar BNH, Cosmax NBT, Maeil Dairies, Namyang Dairy Products, Dongwon Industries, dsm-firmenich, KD Pharma Group, and Aker BioMarine are leading players in the South Korean EPA & DHA market, offering omega-3 health functional foods, prescription omega-3 medicines, ODM manufacturing, DHA-fortified infant formula, krill harvesting, and refined omega-3 ingredients.

Their strong presence, MFDS regulatory expertise, e-commerce capabilities, and established relationships with retailers and healthcare professionals have driven adoption across the Korean market.• The market is also supported by ingredient importers, softgel manufacturers, testing laboratories, and pet food producers that provide formulation, encapsulation, and quality assurance support. With strong ODM capabilities, domestic krill harvesting, and growing exports, South Korea is an increasingly important omega-3 production hub in Asia.South Korea EPA & DHA Supply and Pricing Economics• EPA and DHA products in South Korea represent value-added nutritional and pharmaceutical products whose pricing depends on concentration, chemical form, source, and channel. Pricing varies considerably between standard fish oil, rTG omega-3, krill oil, and algal oil.• Imported refined oil prices are influenced by the won exchange rate and global raw material costs. The reduced 2026 Peruvian anchovy quota and early closures of the Antarctic krill fishery are expected to place upward pressure on fish oil and krill oil prices.• Health functional foods are paid out-of-pocket, with frequent promotions on e-commerce and home shopping channels shaping retail pricing. Prescription omega-3 medicines are reimbursed by the National Health Insurance Service.• rTG and krill oil products command a premium over standard fish oil, while ODM-produced private labels intensify price competition.Market Outlook by Consumer Health Spending and Supply Infrastructure• South Korea's EPA & DHA market growth is strongly linked to population aging, consumer health spending, and the strength of the health functional food and e-commerce sectors, although price competition and raw material volatility remain significant factors influencing profitability.• Private consumer spending drives the HFF and pet nutrition segments, while the National Health Insurance Service supports prescription omega-3. Exports by Korean ODMs are becoming an increasingly important growth driver.• The future growth opportunity for EPA and DHA in South Korea depends on sustaining premium innovation in rTG, krill, and algal omega-3, expanding exports, capturing demand from the birth rebound and maternal nutrition, and strengthening omega-3's role in healthy aging.

Greater integration of e-commerce, personalized nutrition, and evidence-based functional claims will likely become key strategies for long-term market development.Global EPA & DHA MarketConsidered in this report• Historic Year: 2020• Base Year: 2025• Estimated Year: 2026• Forecast Year: 2031Aspects covered in this report• EPA & DHA Market with its value and forecast along with its segments• Various drivers and challenges• Ongoing trends and developments• Top profiled companies• Strategic recommendationsBy Product Type• Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)By Application• Dietary Supplements• Infant Formula• Pharmaceuticals• Food & Beverages• Clinical Nutrition & Medical Foods• Pet NutritionBy Source• Fish Oil• Algae Oil• Krill Oil• Other Marine Sources.