The South Korea Foodservice Market report segments the industry into Foodservice Type (Cafes & Bars, Cloud Kitchen, Full Service Restaurants, Quick Service Restaurants), Outlet (Chained Outlets, Independent Outlets), and Location (Leisure, Lodging, Retail, Standalone, Travel). Five years of historical data and five-year forecasts are covered.

The South Korea food service market is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 4.40% in the forecast period of 2025-2034. Infrastructural advancement and the growing demand for fast food due to hectic lifestyles are expected to drive the market during the estimated time period.

In 2018, the overall foodservice sales value in South Korea amounted to around **** billion U.S. dollars. Based on sales value, restaurants were the biggest subsector that year. A survey in April 2019 found that more than ** percent of respondents stated that they were eating out once every two to three days.

Chain franchise vs. independent operators

In 2017, McDonald’s was the leading company in South Korea’s foodservice sector based on value sales. Nevertheless, customers seem to prefer dining out at independent restaurants; while the value per transaction at independent operators were lower, the total sales of independent operators were higher in most subsectors. While sales of chain franchises are expected to grow faster than those of independent operators, the South Korean foodservice market is still forecasted to be dominated by small-to-medium-sized, often family-owned businesses.

Food delivery

While dining out is a regular activity within families, friends, and co-workers, many South Koreans tend to order food delivery frequently. As of 2019, around half of surveyed South Koreans mainly used apps for food delivery, overshadowing ordering via websites or phone calls. The most downloaded and most used delivery app based on Android activity as of January 2020 was Baedal Minjok, also known as Baemin, owned by Woowa Brothers. In the end of 2020, Delivery Hero announced the acquisition of Woowa Brothers for around **** billion U.S. dollars. Germany-based Delivery Hero is the company behind the second most popular food delivery application in South Korea called Yogiyo.

South Korea Foodservice Market size was valued at USD 115 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 494.48 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 20% from 2026 to 2032.

South Korea Foodservice Market: Definition/ Overview

Foodservice refers to the industry that prepares, delivers, and serves food and beverages to customers outside of their homes. It includes a wide range of places and services aimed to meet consumers' various dining needs, whether for convenience, leisure, or necessity.

The South Korea Foodservice report features an extensive regional analysis, identifying market penetration levels across major geographic areas. It highlights regional growth trends and opportunities, allowing businesses to tailor their market entry strategies and maximize growth in specific regions.

In 2017, McDonald's was the leading foodservice company in South Korea, based on its value sales of ***** million U.S. dollars. This put the famous American fast food company far ahead of its closest South Korean competitor, Mr. Pizza, which posted value sales of ***** million U.S. dollars.

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Food Service Market Size 2025-2029

The food service market size is forecast to increase by USD 53709.5 billion, at a CAGR of 47.5% between 2024 and 2029.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 44% growth during the forecast period.
By the Service - Conventional segment was valued at USD 1173.40 billion in 2023
By the Sector - Commercial segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 1.00 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 53709.50 billion 
CAGR : 47.5%
APAC: Largest market in 2023

Market Summary

The market continues to evolve, with significant shifts in consumer preferences and industry trends. According to recent studies, the sector is witnessing a notable increase in the demand for convenience and customization, leading to a surge in the adoption of off-premise dining options. In fact, off-premise sales are projected to account for over 50% of the total foodservice revenue by 2025, marking a substantial growth compared to the 35% share in 2020. Moreover, the snacking market within the foodservice industry is experiencing a remarkable expansion, with consumers opting for more frequent and diverse snacking occasions. This trend is particularly prominent among millennials and Gen Z, who are driving the demand for innovative, on-the-go snack solutions. Despite these positive developments, the foodservice sector faces challenges such as labor shortages and rising operational costs, which may impact profitability and growth. However, industry players are responding by adopting technology solutions, including automation and contactless ordering systems, to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience. Overall, the foodservice market's continuous evolution underscores the importance of staying informed about emerging trends and consumer preferences to capitalize on new opportunities.

What will be the Size of the Food Service Market during the forecast period?

Explore market size, adoption trends, and growth potential for food service market Request Free SampleThe market exhibits a consistent growth trajectory, with current industry performance registering at approximately 6% yearly expansion. Looking ahead, this trend is anticipated to continue, with future growth expectations hovering around 5%. Notably, the adoption of advanced technologies, such as online ordering platforms and kitchen workflow optimization solutions, is driving this growth. For instance, the integration of technology in food service operations has led to a 15% increase in order accuracy and a 10% reduction in wait times for customers. Furthermore, the implementation of inventory management software has resulted in a 12% decrease in food waste and a 7% improvement in overall operational efficiency. These figures underscore the significant impact technology is having on the food service industry, setting the stage for continued innovation and growth.

How is this Food Service Industry segmented?

The food service industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. ServiceConventionalCentralizedReady-preparedAssembly-serveSectorCommercialNon-commercialCuisine TypeAmericanItalianAsianPrice RangeBudgetMid-rangePremiumTarget AudienceFamiliesProfessionalsStudentsGeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaEuropeFranceGermanyItalyUKMiddle East and AfricaUAEAPACChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaSouth AmericaBrazilRest of World (ROW)

By Service Insights

The conventional segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic the market, energy efficiency solutions have gained significant traction, reducing operational costs by up to 15% for restaurants and cafeterias. Simultaneously, pest control procedures and equipment maintenance schedules ensure food safety and hygiene, maintaining a 20% reduction in pest infestations. Online ordering platforms and table management systems streamline operations, increasing revenue by 18% through improved customer experience and streamlined workflows. Revenue management strategies, such as dynamic pricing and demand forecasting, have become essential tools, contributing to a 21% increase in revenue for food service providers. Supply chain traceability and nutrition labeling requirements foster transparency and trust, with a reported 25% of consumers preferring establishments that provide detailed information about their offerings. Restaurant reservation systems, HACCP implementation, and ingredient sourcing strategies are crucial components of the food service industry, enabling efficient workflows and ensuring regulatory compliance. Food service technology, including kitchen w

The South Korea Food Service market is anticipated to add more than USD 65 Billion from 2023 to 2028.

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APAC Food Service Market Size 2025-2029

The APAC food service market size is forecast to increase by USD 9.94 billion, at a CAGR of 29.9% between 2024 and 2029.

In the dynamic the market, key drivers include the shifting consumer lifestyle trends towards convenience and the rising demand for gluten-free fast food options. These trends reflect the evolving preferences of a growing population seeking quick, yet nutritious meal kits that cater to specific dietary needs. However, the market faces challenges in the form of volatile raw material prices, which can significantly impact operational costs and profitability for food service providers.
Navigating these price fluctuations requires strategic sourcing and supply chain management to ensure business sustainability. Companies that effectively address these challenges and capitalize on the market's demand for convenient and dietary-specific food offerings will position themselves for growth in the competitive APAC Food Service Market.

What will be the size of the APAC Food Service Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The Asia Pacific foodservice market is characterized by diverse culinary offerings and evolving consumer preferences. Iso standards and foodservice regulations mandate strict food labeling requirements, ensuring nutritional information and allergen labeling are readily available to consumers. Virtual restaurants and dark kitchens, operating under the radar without physical dining spaces, are gaining traction, while fine dining and casual dining segments continue to dominate the market. Mobile food companies, catering services, and event planning businesses leverage mobile payment solutions for seamless transactions.
Haccp certification and food safety audits prioritize food safety, and meal kits cater to consumers seeking prepared meals at home. Ethnic cuisine, food delivery robots, and calorie labeling are emerging trends, reflecting the industry's commitment to dietary guidance and innovation. Cloud kitchens, restaurant chains, self-service kiosks, and fast casual restaurants further diversify the landscape, with foodservice franchising enabling expansion and growth.

How is this market segmented?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Food sales
  Beverage sales


Type

  Delivery and takeaway
  Restaurants
  Fast food
  Cafes and bars
  Others


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea

By Product Insights

The food sales segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, the food service market is witnessing significant growth due to various factors. Dishwashing machines are essential for maintaining foodservice operations' hygiene, and cloud computing technology's adoption in this sector enhances operational efficiency. Menu planning caters to diverse food trends, including sustainable food practices and dietary restrictions. ESG reporting and corporate social responsibility are increasingly important for brands, driving revenue growth. Foodservice innovation, such as online ordering platforms and delivery services, is a game-changer in the industry. Catering supplies, including disposable tableware and food packaging, are in high demand for convenience and food safety standards.

Staff training and kitchen management software ensure optimal service and customer experience. Digital marketing strategies and social media engagement are essential for brand positioning. Food sourcing and ingredient procurement are critical aspects of foodservice operations, with a focus on cost reduction and food waste management. Food processing equipment, cooking equipment, refrigeration systems, and baking equipment are integral to food preparation. Food safety standards, allergen management, and customer loyalty programs are essential for maintaining customer trust. Hygiene regulations and restaurant technology, including artificial intelligence and big data analytics, contribute to operational excellence. Community engagement and restaurant design are vital for building a strong brand presence.

In conclusion, the market is dynamic and evolving, with various entities shaping its growth. From dishwashing machines and menu planning to digital marketing strategies and food safety standards, each element plays a crucial role in the industry's success.

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The Food sales segment was valued at USD billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers an

South Korea Foodservice Market is valued at USD 120 Bn, driven by urbanization, rising incomes, and online delivery growth. Expected to expand with health trends and tech innovations.

In 2018, the restaurant foodservice sales value in South Korea amounted to around **** billion U.S. dollars, while the overall foodservice sales value in South Korea amounted to around **** billion dollars. This subsector also includes coffee and tea shops, as well as ice cream parlors. A survey in April 2019 found that more than ** percent of respondents stated that they were eating out once every two to three days.

The global food service industry is expected to grow from approximately USD 3.88 trillion in 2025 to USD 6.46 trillion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 5.3%. This growth is driven by rising urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and shifting consumer lifestyles that favor dining out and food delivery options.

Metric	Value
Market Size (2025E)	USD 3.88 trillion
Market Value (2035F)	USD 6.46 trillion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	5.3%

Country-wise Insights

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
USA	5.0%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
UK	4.6%

Region	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
European Union (EU)	4.8%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Japan	4.9%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
South Korea	5.1%

In 2023, there were approximately 966,220 food service providers in South Korea. This figure has been growing steadily since 2005.

“South Korea – The Future of Foodservice to 2024” published by GlobalData provides extensive insight and analysis of the South Korean Foodservice market over the next five years (2019-2024) and acts as a vital point of reference for operators or suppliers. The report includes: Read More

The restaurants and mobile food services had a revenue of around USD 2.42 Trillion by 2025 and are likely to generate more than USD 3.10 Trillion by 2035, around 2.5 % CAGR. Most of the growth is attributed to increasing disposable income, growing global footprint of fast food and increasing penetration of online food delivery platforms.

Metric	Value
Market Size in 2025	USD 2.42 Trillion
Projected Market Size in 2035	USD 3.10 Trillion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	2.5%

Country-wise Market Outlook

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
USA	2.9%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
UK	2.6%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
European Union (EU)	2.5%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Japan	2.4%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
South Korea	2.7%

Competitive Outlook

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
McDonald's (Mobile & Delivery Services)	14-18%
Domino’s Pizza Inc. (Delivery & Mobile Operations)	12-16%
Starbucks (Mobile Coffee Services & Food Trucks)	9-13%
Door Dash (Food Delivery Aggregator)	7-11%
Uber Eats (Restaurant and Mobile Food Service Logistics)	6-10%
Independent Operators & Other Companies (Combined)	40-50%

In 2024, Korean restaurants made up around **** percent of all food and beverage establishments in South Korea. Coffee shops and other drinking establishments were following with a share of **** and *** percent respectively.

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Quick Service Restaurants Market Size 2025-2029

The quick service restaurants market size is forecast to increase by USD 63.8 billion, at a CAGR of 2.2% between 2024 and 2029. Rise in number of quick service restaurants will drive the quick service restaurants market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for a 53% growth during the forecast period.
By the Service, the Eat-in service sub-segment was valued at USD 270.60 billion in 2023
By the Type, the Chain sub-segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 18.09 billion
Future Opportunities: USD 63.80 billion 
CAGR : 2.2%
North America: Largest market in 2023

Market Summary

The Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) Market is experiencing significant growth and innovation, driven by advancements in core technologies and applications such as mobile ordering and contactless payment systems. This market encompasses a wide range of service types and product categories, including fast food chains, sandwich shops, and coffeehouses. Key companies include industry leaders like McDonald's, Starbucks, and Subway. Regulations, such as food safety standards and labor laws, play a crucial role in shaping the market landscape.
During the forecast period, major drivers include changing consumer preferences for convenience and affordability, while challenges include increasing competition and fluctuating raw material prices.
The global QSR market is projected to reach a value of billion dollar growth at a steady rate of 2.2% annually. Related markets such as the Food Delivery and Foodservice Packaging industries also present opportunities for collaboration and growth. 

What will be the Size of the Quick Service Restaurants Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Quick Service Restaurants Market Segmented and what are the key trends of market segmentation?

The quick service restaurants industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Service

  Eat-in service
  Takeaway service
  Drive-thru service
  Home delivery service


Type

  Chain
  Independent


Product Type

  Burger and sandwich
  Pizza
  Asian cuisine
  Frozen desserts and ice cream
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada
    Mexico


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Service Insights

The eat-in service segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic quick service restaurant market, operational efficiency is a top priority. Sales forecasting models help businesses anticipate demand and optimize inventory, reducing food waste and labor costs. Online ordering platforms, a significant market trend, enable customers to place orders from anywhere, boosting average order value. Customer satisfaction scores are crucial, with mobile payment processing streamlining transactions and table management systems ensuring efficient seating. Employee turnover rates remain high, necessitating restaurant resource planning and brand consistency metrics to maintain quality service. Marketing automation tools and customer analytics dashboards provide valuable insights, while inventory management software and customer feedback systems help businesses adapt to evolving consumer preferences.

Labor cost percentage is a constant concern, leading to labor cost optimization strategies and employee scheduling software. Food cost percentage and energy management systems are essential for profit margin analysis. Delivery management software and waste management solutions cater to the growing demand for off-premises dining. Pricing optimization strategies ensure competitiveness, and menu engineering techniques enhance customer experience. Supply chain management and kitchen display systems streamline operations, fostering a continuous improvement mindset in the market.

The Eat-in service segment was valued at USD 270.60 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 53% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) market in North America is experiencing growth due to consumer preferences for dining out, brand loyalty, and the in

Asia-Pacific Foodservice Paper Packaging Market is segmented by Type (Cups & Lids, Boxes & Cartons), Application (Fruits and Vegetables, Dairy Products, Bakery and Confectionery, Beverages, Meat & Poultry), End User (Restaurants, Retail Establishments, Institutional) and Country (China, Japan, South Korea, India). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (in USD million) for all the above segments.

The market size of the South Korean online grocery and food services amounted to roughly ** trillion South Korean won. Food and beverages were among the most bought products among in online shopping.

Access Asia Pacific Cloud Kitchen Foodservice Industry Overview which includes Asia Pacific country analysis of (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, South East Asia, Rest of APAC), market split by Product Type, Application