South Korea Sesame Seeds Market Research Report, 2030

South Korea’s sesame seeds market is poised for steady expansion as it navigates a complex landscape shaped by evolving consumer preferences, agricultural challenges, and growing industrial demand. The market’s foundation lies in a long-standing cultural appreciation for sesame seeds, which are deeply woven into the fabric of Korean cuisine and traditional medicine. Sesame seeds, especially white and black varieties, are staple ingredients in many Korean dishes such as ‘goma-ae’ (sesame spinach salad), rice toppings, traditional sweets, and sesame oil used extensively for cooking and seasoning. Despite the strong cultural foothold, South Korea’s domestic sesame production faces constraints primarily due to limited arable land availability and climatic challenges, including variable monsoon patterns and temperature fluctuations that impact crop yields. Consequently, South Korea is one of the leading importers of sesame seeds globally, sourcing large volumes from countries such as India, China, and Nigeria to satisfy growing demand. The interplay of domestic production limitations and robust import dependency creates a dynamic market environment that requires careful supply chain management. Market growth is also propelled by a rising health-conscious middle class that values sesame seeds for their nutritional benefits such as rich protein content, dietary fiber, essential fatty acids, and antioxidant properties. Further, government initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable agriculture and improving quality standards for sesame seed production enhance the market’s long-term outlook. The increasing use of sesame seeds in value-added products and the expanding consumer interest in organic and natural foods present new avenues for growth. According to the research report "South Korea Sesame Seeds Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the South Korea Sesame Seeds Market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 370 Million by 2030. Changing consumer lifestyles and growing awareness around healthy eating are primary drivers fueling demand for sesame seeds in South Korea. Urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and exposure to global food trends have influenced South Koreans to integrate nutrient-dense foods like sesame seeds into their diets. The rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders has prompted consumers to seek foods with functional health benefits, positioning sesame seeds as a superfood ingredient. Consumers increasingly favor products that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, attributes for which sesame seeds are well-known. This health trend has expanded sesame seed usage beyond traditional culinary practices to include dietary supplements, protein bars, and fortified snacks. Additionally, the increasing adoption of plant-based diets has further amplified the demand for sesame seeds as a plant-derived protein source. Traditional Korean cuisine continues to play a pivotal role in maintaining demand, as sesame seeds are integral to many heritage recipes and ceremonial dishes. However, innovation in product formats such as roasted sesame snacks, flavored sesame seeds, sesame pastes, and ready-to-use sesame oils caters to the convenience-oriented consumer segment, especially younger generations. The cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors are also significant consumers of sesame derivatives, employing sesame oil for its moisturizing and healing properties in skincare products and therapeutic treatments. The expanding penetration of modern retail formats like supermarkets and online shopping portals has improved accessibility to a wider range of sesame seed products, from conventional to organic and specialty varieties.

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South Korea’s sesame seeds market is segmented primarily by product type into white sesame, black sesame, and other varieties, each offering distinct characteristics and catering to different consumer needs and industrial applications. White sesame seeds constitute the largest market share, favored for their mild taste, high oil content, and versatility across food and industrial uses. They are extensively utilized in oil extraction, baking, confectionery, and as toppings in both traditional and modern culinary preparations. The relatively neutral flavor profile of white sesame seeds makes them suitable for incorporation in a wide variety of products, including health foods and processed snacks. Black sesame seeds, on the other hand, possess a stronger flavor and higher antioxidant content, making them increasingly popular in health foods, supplements, and premium cosmetic products. Consumers associate black sesame with benefits such as improved digestion, bone strength, and hair health, boosting its demand in wellness and specialty segments. The ‘other’ category, encompassing brown and mixed sesame seeds, remains niche but is gaining traction in gourmet and ethnic cuisine markets. These varieties are often sought after by consumers looking for unique flavors or traditional recipes that call for specific seed types. Moreover, there is a growing trend toward organic cultivation of both white and black sesame seeds, driven by rising consumer demand for pesticide-free and sustainably farmed products. Organic sesame commands premium pricing and is favored in export markets and health-conscious domestic segments. This product diversification enables producers and retailers to target a broad consumer base and innovate with new sesame-based products such as pastes, flours, and oils, fostering higher value addition and improved profitability. The application spectrum for sesame seeds in South Korea extends well beyond the traditional food industry, encompassing pharmaceutical, cosmetic and personal care, and emerging industrial uses, which together contribute significantly to market expansion. The food industry continues to dominate sesame seed consumption, where seeds and oils are indispensable ingredients in Korean cuisine, bakery products, confectionery, and health foods. Sesame oil, in particular, is prized for its flavor and health benefits and is a household staple used both for cooking and as a dressing. The pharmaceutical sector exploits sesame seeds’ therapeutic properties, incorporating seed extracts and oil in herbal remedies, anti-inflammatory ointments, and nutritional supplements aimed at promoting cardiovascular and bone health. In cosmetics and personal care, sesame oil is valued for its natural moisturizing, anti-aging, and UV protection properties, increasingly featured in skincare creams, hair oils, body lotions, and sunscreens. The surge in demand for natural and organic personal care products has boosted the use of sesame derivatives in this sector. Additionally, sesame seeds are finding innovative applications in the burgeoning nutraceutical industry, where their bioactive compounds are utilized in functional foods and dietary supplements targeting health-conscious consumers. Emerging uses also include bio-based lubricants, paints, fillers, and other industrial materials where sesame oil’s unique chemical properties provide a sustainable alternative to synthetic ingredients. These expanding application areas illustrate the market’s adaptability and highlight opportunities for research and development that can drive further diversification and revenue growth. The sesame seeds market in South Korea is categorized into organic and conventional segments, reflecting shifts in agricultural practices, consumer preferences, and regulatory frameworks. Conventional sesame seeds dominate production and sales due to their cost-effectiveness, established cultivation methods, and consistent yields facilitated by conventional farming inputs such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. However, growing health and environmental concerns among consumers have accelerated demand for organic sesame seeds, which are produced without chemical inputs and adhere to strict certification standards. Organic sesame farming in South Korea is supported by government subsidies and programs promoting sustainable agriculture, biodiversity preservation, and soil health. Despite challenges such as lower yields, higher labor requirements, and more complex supply chains, the organic sesame segment has demonstrated robust growth, fueled by urban consumers seeking natural and chemical-free food products. Organic sesame seeds command premium prices domestically and in export markets, offering attractive returns for farmers and businesses willing to invest in certification and sustainable practices. The presence of both organic and conventional sesame seeds in the market allows consumers a broad choice spectrum, encourages improvements in farming sustainability, and creates opportunities for branding and differentiation. As awareness of food safety and ecological impact continues to rise, the organic sesame segment is expected to gain further momentum, shaping the future trajectory of South Korea’s sesame seeds market.

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

Distribution channels in South Korea’s sesame seeds market are multifaceted and rapidly evolving, reflecting changes in consumer purchasing behavior, retail modernization, and supply chain innovations. Traditional distribution networks such as local agricultural markets, small grocery stores, and neighborhood kirana shops remain vital for sesame seed sales in rural and semi-urban regions. These channels provide convenience and trusted access for consumers purchasing raw or bulk sesame seeds for household use. However, the rise of organized retail in urban and metropolitan areas has expanded the presence of supermarkets, hypermarkets, and specialty organic stores offering a broader assortment of packaged and branded sesame seed products. These modern retail outlets emphasize quality assurance, hygiene, and product variety, catering to discerning consumers who prioritize convenience and trusted labels. The rapid growth of e-commerce platforms is another transformative force, providing consumers with easy access to diverse sesame products, including specialty, organic, and imported varieties. Online retail enables direct-to-consumer marketing, flexible pricing, and fast delivery, which are especially appealing to younger, tech-savvy customers. In addition, institutional buyers such as food manufacturers, cosmetic companies, pharmaceutical firms, and exporters procure sesame seeds in bulk through specialized distribution channels, often relying on long-term contracts and supply agreements. The increasing integration of digital supply chain management and traceability technologies is enhancing efficiency and transparency, reducing wastage, and improving product quality. This multifaceted distribution ecosystem is crucial to meeting the growing and diverse demand for sesame seeds across South Korea. Considered in this report • Historic Year: 2019 • Base year: 2024 • Estimated year: 2025 • Forecast year: 2030 Aspects covered in this report • Sesame Seeds Market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation

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By Oil Type • Vegetable Oil • Essential Oils • Mineral Oils • Others (Exotic/Specialty Oils & Blended/Functional Oils) By Application • Skin Care • Hair Care • Body Care • Others By Distribution Channel • Online • Offline (retail stores, pharmacies) • Direct sales 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 agriculture 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.