South Korea Fast Food Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Pizza/Pasta, Burger/Sandwich, Chicken, Asian/Latin American Food, Seafood, and Others), By End User (Food-Service Restaurants, Quick Service Restaurants, Caterings, and Others), and South Korea Fast Food Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035.

South Korea Fast Food Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Fast Food Market Size was estimated at USD 17.03 Billion in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 4.62% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Fast Food Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 27.99 Billion by 2035

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the South Korea Fast Food Market Size is anticipated to reach USD 27.99 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 4.62% from 2025 to 2035. The nation's market is expanding mostly due to the increasing number of individuals and families looking for quick and easy dining options as well as the growing acceptance of readily available and quickly prepared food options.

Market Overview

Fast food is defined as meals that are prepared and served quickly, usually at quick-service or chain restaurants. These establishments cater to the fast-paced lifestyles of city dwellers by emphasizing affordability and efficiency. Burgers, fried chicken, pizza, fries, noodles, tacos, sandwiches, and other fast-food items are frequently offered on the menu. The industry has changed to accommodate regional tastes and dietary requirements, fusing Korean culinary customs with international fast-food ideas. Furthermore, the majority of Koreans live the "Honjok" lifestyle, which entails remaining unmarried. 31.7% of individuals in their 20s and 30s in 2020 said they preferred living independently and living in single-person households. "Honbap," or eating alone, is another trend that has been aided by this. Younger people are far more likely to adopt this way of life in an effort to challenge stereotypes and family customs and change society. Additionally, it makes people choose convenience foods, which is helping the outlook for the fast food industry in South Korea.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the South Korea fast food market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyses trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the South Korea fast food 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 fast food market.

Driving Factors

In keeping with the fast-paced lifestyles of its citizens, the fast food industry in South Korea has developed into a vibrant and essential component of the nation's culinary scene. Rapid urbanization and a faster pace of life are two factors contributing to the nation's fast food craze, as they have increased demand for on-the-go dining options. In addition, fast food offers people with hectic schedules a convenient and time-saving substitute that enables them to eat without having to wait around for a meal like they would at traditional restaurants, which is contributing to its growth. Furthermore, the fast food industry in South Korea has adjusted to local tastes by using ingredients and flavors that appeal to Korean consumers. The combination of both local and international influences has boosted the market's dynamism and prosperity.

Restraining Factors

The fast food industry has trouble finding and keeping skilled workers, which could lead to problems with service quality and higher labor expenses. Maintaining effective operations is hampered by this shortage.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea fast food market share is classified into product type and end-user.

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

The South Korea fast food market is segmented by product type into pizza/pasta, burger/sandwich, chicken, Asian/Latin American food, seafood, and others. Among these, the chicken segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Fast food made with chicken, such as fried chicken and chicken cups, is very well-liked because it's inexpensive, convenient, and has a lot of cultural appeal. The growth of food delivery services and the popularity of Korean fried chicken around the world have increased demand for chicken dishes.

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

The South Korea fast food market is segmented by end-user into food-service restaurants, quick service restaurants, caterings, and others. Among these, the quick service restaurants segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. QSRs are popular because they are quick, easy, and affordable, making them ideal for single-person households and busy urban lifestyles. This market has been further reinforced by the growth of online meal delivery services, which have increased the availability of fast food nationwide.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea fast food 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

• Lotteria Corporation
• McDonald's Corporation
• KFC Corporation.
• Mom’s Touch Global
• Isaac Toast Co., Ltd.
• Burger King Corporation
• Shake Shack Inc
• Others

Recent Developments:

• In April 2024, Restaurant Brands International, Burger King's parent company, is spending $300 million to update 1,100 Burger King locations. It's anticipated that 85% of Burger King locations in the US will have modernized designs by 2028. By implementing new features like self-order kiosks and drive-thru pickup for mobile orders, the company hopes to increase sales.

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 fast food market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Fast Food Market, By Product Type

• Pizza/Pasta
• Burger/Sandwich
• Chicken
• Asian/Latin American Food
• Seafood
• Others

South Korea Fast Food Market, By End User

• Food-Service Restaurants
• Quick Service Restaurants
• Caterings
• Others