"Common in Korea, but One Drop at the End... The Global Craze for the 'Taste of Korea'"

Export Value Up 37% and Volume Up 48% in January–April
US Exports Surge 170%, Canada 249%
Health Food Craze and K-Food Popularity Drive Rising Demand

Korean sesame oil, traditionally added as a finishing touch to bibimbap, is expanding its popularity in North American and European markets. Driven by rising demand for healthy foods and the K-Food craze, both the export value and volume of sesame oil have reached record highs so far this year.

Thanks to the K-Food craze, exports of Korean sesame oil continue to rise. Yonhap News

According to the Korea Customs Service on June 2, sesame oil exports from January to April 2026 amounted to USD 6.14 million (approximately KRW 920 million), a 37.0% increase compared to the same period last year. Export volume reached 657 tons, up 47.6%. Both the export value and volume are the highest ever recorded for the January-April period.

Sesame oil exports have maintained steady growth over the past several years. Annual exports increased by 20.3% year-on-year to USD 13.01 million in 2024, and then by another 28.2% to USD 16.68 million last year. With double-digit growth continuing this year, there is a strong possibility that the upward trend will extend for a third consecutive year.

By country, the United States accounted for the largest share, making up 41.7% of total exports. Canada followed with 9.6%, then Taiwan (7.6%), Australia (7.4%), and the Netherlands (5.3%).

In particular, growth in the North American market was notable. From January to April 2026, exports to the United States surged by 170.8% and those to Canada by 249.0% year-on-year. Along with rising demand in North America, Korean sesame oil is also making inroads into health-conscious European markets such as the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The Korea Customs Service cited the growing preference for healthy foods and the popularity of K-Food as the main drivers behind the export surge. As interest in plant-based and health-focused diets increases, demand is also rising for sesame oil, which is known for its unique nutty flavor and is produced without chemical additives.

Recently, sesame oil has been recognized overseas as a premium “finishing oil” that elevates the flavor of salads and vegetarian dishes. The practice of adding sesame oil at the end of Korean dishes like bibimbap naturally aligns with Western food cultures that use olive oil or dressings, thus broadening the consumer base.

The growing interest in K-Food is also supporting export growth. Overseas, the increased exports of ramen and sauces have made Korean cuisine more accessible, and sesame oil is increasingly recognized as an essential ingredient for Korean cooking, leading to more frequent bundled purchases.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.