South Korea Fresh Fish Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Pelagic Fish and Demersal Fish), By Form (Fresh and Frozen), By Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), and South Korea Fresh Fish Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

  South Korea Fresh Fish Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Fresh Fish Market Size Was Estimated at USD 9,547.9 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 3.27% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Fresh Fish Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 13,596.7 Million by 2035

According to a Research Report Published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the South Korea Fresh Fish Market Size is Anticipated to Reach USD 13,596.7 Million by 2035, Growing at a CAGR of 3.27% from 2025 to 2035. The market's expansion can be ascribed to changing customer tastes, growing health benefits awareness, and the popularity of sustainable fishing methods.

Market Overview

A fresh fish market is a wholesale or retail marketplace that sells a range of fish and seafood goods. The main selling point is that the fish is fresh, meaning it isn't frozen or preserved. These marketplaces, which are frequently wet markets, can serve both private customers and establishments like eateries. In order to guarantee the freshest catch of the day, fish shops frequently purchase their goods directly from nearby fisherman. In comparison, grocery stores could have fewer fresh or frozen selections. Demand is being driven by growing knowledge of the nutritional benefits of seafood, especially omega-3 fatty acids. Fresh fish sales are expanding online due to their convenience and increased reach.  Customers a simple one-stop shop, retailers are increasing the variety of seafood they offer. The government supports sustainable fishing methods, including encouraging the use of environmentally friendly gear and responsible fishing methods in both inland and marine fisheries.

Report Coverage

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

Driving Factors       

Increasing demand for fresh, high-quality fish in traditional cuisines and rising disposable incomes further boost growth. Expansion of modern retail channels and online seafood delivery services improves accessibility and convenience. Additionally, government support for sustainable fishing practices and strict food safety regulations enhances consumer confidence.

Restraining Factors

High perishability of fish requiring efficient cold chain logistics, which can be costly and complex. Inadequate infrastructure for storage and transportation often leads to quality degradation and wastage. Environmental concerns like overfishing and pollution threaten fish supply and sustainability.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea share is classified into product, form, and distribution channel.

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

The South Korea fresh fish market is segmented by product into pelagic fish and demersal fish. Among these, the pelagic fish segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. Growing consumer knowledge of the health advantages of eating fish, especially omega-3 fatty acids, which are present in species like herring, sardines, and mackerel. Because pelagic fish are seen as healthier substitutes for processed foods and red meat, the growing health and wellness trend among consumers has increased demand.

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

The South Korea fresh fish market is segmented by form into fresh and frozen. Among these, the fresh segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Fresh fish has become more popular because of its high protein content, omega-3 fatty acids, and perceived health benefits as consumers embrace foods high in nutrients. Furthermore, consumers are now more inclined to look for fresh fish that is caught or farmed in an environmentally benign manner due to growing awareness of sustainability and responsible sourcing.

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

The South Korea fresh fish market is segmented by distribution channel into offline and online. Among these, the offline segment dominated the share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Traditional retail establishments like supermarkets, grocery stores, fishmongers, and wet markets are what define the offline channel the most. Immediacy and quality assurance are the main reasons why consumers choose to buy fresh fish in-store. Customers frequently choose to examine the fish in person, judging its freshness by both visual and sensory assessment.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea fresh fish 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 elaborate analysis focusing on the companies' current news and developments, including 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

• Dongwon Industries
• Sajo Industries
• Hansung Enterprise
• Korea Seafood Co., Ltd.
• Daesang Corporation
• Sajo O&F
• Kyungyang Fisheries Co. Ltd.
• Hyosung Foods Co., Ltd.
• Green World Co., Ltd.
• Korea Trading Co.
• Ocean Fresh Co.
• MNO Fisheries Co., Ltd.
• Others

Recent Developments:

• In January 2025: The South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries officially presented the Development Plan for the Oyster Aquaculture Industry during the State Affairs Cabinet Meeting. Three strategies are included in the Development Plan for the Oyster Aquaculture Industry to accomplish two objectives: boosting oyster production by 100,000 tons by 2030 and doubling oyster exports by 2030, from USD 80 million in 2023 to USD 160 million in 2030, to fulfill South Korea’s vision of being the world's leading oyster exporting nation.

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 fresh fish market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Fresh Fish Market, By Product

• Pelagic Fish
• Demersal Fish

South Korea Fresh Fish Market, By Form

• Fresh
• Frozen

South Korea Fresh Fish Market, By Distribution Channel

• Offline
• Online