South Korea Edible Insects Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Beetles, Caterpillars, Grasshoppers, Bees, Wasps, Ants, and Scale Insects & True Bugs), By Application (Flour, Protein Bars, and Snacks), and South Korea Edible Insects Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts To 2035

South Korea Edible Insects Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Edible Insects Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 23.1% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Edible Insects Market Size is Expected to hold a significant Share by 2035

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, The South Korea Edible Insects Market Size is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 23.1% from 2025 to 2035. The market is driven by factors such as rising consumer preference for protein-rich foods and the commercial benefits of insect farming, which are driving market growth.

Market Overview

The South Korean edible insects market is growing steadily as consumers are looking for healthy, sustainable alternatives to traditional sources of protein. Beetles, caterpillars, and crickets are high in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids but with a low environmental footprint. They need less land, water, and feed resources to cultivate compared to conventional livestock, in line with the increasing environmental and health awareness in South Korea. Products like insect powders and protein bars are gaining popularity, particularly among environmentalists and fitness consumers. Startups and food technology companies are developing new formats to ensure consumer acceptability. Governments that are developing demand for alternative sources of protein and the insect farming technology are also driving market growth. In spite of cultural reluctance and governmental challenges, increased knowledge and product development will be anticipated to change consumer attitude and enlarge the market. With urbanization ongoing and convenience demands rising, edible insects represent a new food category that is sustainable.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the South Korea edible insects market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the South Korea edible insects market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the South Korea edible insects market.

Driving Factors

South Korea edible insects market is propelled by growing demand for protein-rich and sustainable food products with growing environmental concerns. Insects are a high-nutrient-density alternative with a lower carbon footprint than traditional livestock. Rising health consciousness and the fitness diet trend are driving demand for insect-based protein powders and protein bars. Government subsidies of alt proteins, innovation in insect production, and increased retail shelf space are also key enablers that are fueling consumer acceptance and business growth across food and nutraceutical markets.

Restraining Factors

South Korean cultural aversion and consumer resistance to consuming insects are significant deterrents. Lack of knowledge, unfavorable attitudes, and lack of familiarity lead to low acceptability. The uncertainty of regulatory agencies regarding food safety standards for insect products is also a hindrance in the development of the market. High production cost and limited mainstream availability also limit access and take-up in the mass consumer market.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea Edible Insects Market share is classified into product and application.

• The beetles segment held the largest share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea edible insects market is segmented by product into beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, bees, wasps, ants, scale insects & true bugs. Among these, the beetles segment held the largest share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Beetles are among the most diversified insects and comprise mealsworms and darkling beetles. They are also well-suited for edible insects because they have a weak flavor compared to other insects and are rich in protein.

• The snacks segment dominated the market share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea edible insects market is segmented by application into flour, protein bars, and snacks. Among these, the snacks segment dominated the market share in 2024. Snacks appeal to a wide customer base and are more readily accepted as an exciting and adventurous means of consuming edible insects. The novelty factor attracts customers seeking innovative and sustainable food experience.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea edible insects market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• NeoInsect
• Entomo Korea
• BugFarm Co., Ltd.
• Woori Insect Bio
• Mealworm Tech Co.
• Green & Insect Farm
• Insectta Korea
• Edible Bug Co.
• Future Food Co.
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at South Korea, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the South Korea edible insects market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Edible Insects Market, By Product

• Beetles
• Caterpillars
• Grasshoppers
• Bees
• Wasps
• Ants
• Scale Insects
• True Bugs

South Korea Edible Insects Market, By Application

• Flour
• Protein Bars
• Snacks