Market Forecast By Species (American Lobster, Spiny Lobster, Rock Lobster, European Lobster), By Weight (0.5 “ 0.75 lbs, 0.76 “ 3.0 lbs, Over 3 lbs), By Product Type (Whole Lobster, Lobster Tail, Lobster Meat, Lobster Claw), By Distribution Channel (Food Service, Retail) And Competitive Landscape
Product Code: ETC107322 | Publication Date: Jun 2021 | Updated Date: Aug 2025 | Product Type: Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | No. of Pages: 70 | No. of Figures: 35 | No. of Tables: 5 | |
Report Name | South Korea Lobster Market |
Forecast period | 2025-2031 |
CAGR | 8.4% |
Growing Sector | Food and Beverage |
The South Korea Lobster Market report thoroughly covers the market by species, by weight, by product type, and by distribution channel. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help the stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
The South Korea lobster market is experiencing steady growth, fueled by the country's growing seafood consumption and expanding restaurant sector. The growth is driven by consumer preference for high-quality seafood, coupled with the rise of gourmet dining experiences. However, the market faces challenges such as fluctuating lobster prices, environmental concerns, and intense competition. Looking ahead, the market is expected to evolve with a focus on sustainable sourcing, improved quality control, and the integration of e-commerce technologies.
According to 6Wresearch, South Korea Lobster Market size is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 8.4% during 2025-2031. The market is driven by factors such as increasing consumer demand for premium seafood, rising disposable incomes, and innovative marketing strategies in the restaurant sector. The South Korea government's regulations on seafood trading also support the lobster market, boosting their demand. However, despite the positive growth trends, the South Korea Lobster Market may face challenges such as unpredictable global lobster prices and stringent fishing regulations. Furthermore, the potential impact of climate change on the lobster population may limit the growth of the market.
In the South Korea lobster industry, leading players include major seafood importers and distributors such as Dongwon Industries and Sajo Group, which are renowned for their extensive supply chains and robust logistics capabilities. These companies import high-quality lobsters from key suppliers in the United States, Canada, and Australia, ensuring a steady supply to the market. Additionally, prominent supermarket chains like Lotte Mart and E-Mart, along with high-end restaurant groups, play a significant role in retailing lobsters to consumers. Their widespread distribution networks and marketing strategies help drive the popularity and accessibility of lobsters across South Korea.
The lobster market in South Korea is regulated by several government agencies to ensure food safety, quality control, and fair trade practices. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) oversees the inspection and certification of imported seafood to ensure compliance with health standards. The Korea Customs Service (KCS) manages the import procedures, tariffs, and necessary documentation for lobster shipments. Additionally, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) implements policies related to sustainable fishing practices and international trade agreements that impact the lobster market. These regulations collectively aim to maintain the quality, safety, and sustainability of lobsters available in the South Korea market.
The future of the South Korea lobster market looks promising, with continued growth anticipated due to increasing consumer preference for high quality seafood and the expanding restaurant sector. The market is expected to witness advancement in terms of sustainable sourcing, improved storage and distribution techniques, and increased online sales. Government investments in sustainable fishing practices and supportive policies will further boost market growth, positioning South Korea as a significant player in the global lobster industry.
According to Ravi Bhandari, Research Head, 6Wresearch, American lobsters lead the market in terms of species. The growth is driven by consumer liking for efficient quality seafood as well as rising disposable incomes of consumers.
In terms of weight, lobsters weighing 0.76 – 3.0 lbs. are projected to witness significant growth.
The lobster tail segment is projected to show the highest growth rate in the forecast period due to its increasing popularity in gourmet dining and high-end restaurants.
The food service segment is projected to grow at a faster rate due to the rising demand for premium seafood options in high-end restaurants and hotels.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments:
1 Executive Summary |
2 Introduction |
2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
2.2 Report Description |
2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4 Research Methodology |
2.5 Assumptions |
3 South Korea Lobster Market Overview |
3.1 South Korea Country Macro Economic Indicators |
3.2 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
3.3 South Korea Lobster Market - Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 South Korea Lobster Market - Porter's Five Forces |
3.5 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Species, 2021 & 2031F |
3.6 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Weight, 2021 & 2031F |
3.7 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Product Type, 2021 & 2031F |
3.8 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Distribution Channel, 2021 & 2031F |
4 South Korea Lobster Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.2.1 Increasing demand for seafood and luxury food items in South Korea |
4.2.2 Growing popularity of lobster dishes in South Korean cuisine |
4.2.3 Rising disposable income levels leading to higher spending on premium seafood products |
4.3 Market Restraints |
4.3.1 Seasonal availability and fluctuating prices of lobsters |
4.3.2 Competition from other premium seafood products in the market |
5 South Korea Lobster Market Trends |
6 South Korea Lobster Market, By Types |
6.1 South Korea Lobster Market, By Species |
6.1.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.1.2 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, By Species, 2021-2031F |
6.1.3 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, By American Lobster, 2021-2031F |
6.1.4 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, By Spiny Lobster, 2021-2031F |
6.1.5 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, By Rock Lobster, 2021-2031F |
6.1.6 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, By European Lobster, 2021-2031F |
6.2 South Korea Lobster Market, By Weight |
6.2.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.2.2 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, By 0.5 - 0.75 lbs, 2021-2031F |
6.2.3 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, By 0.76 - 3.0 lbs, 2021-2031F |
6.2.4 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, By Over 3 lbs, 2021-2031F |
6.3 South Korea Lobster Market, By Product Type |
6.3.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.3.2 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, By Whole Lobster, 2021-2031F |
6.3.3 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, By Lobster Tail, 2021-2031F |
6.3.4 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, By Lobster Meat, 2021-2031F |
6.3.5 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, By Lobster Claw, 2021-2031F |
6.4 South Korea Lobster Market, By Distribution Channel |
6.4.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.4.2 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, By Food Service, 2021-2031F |
6.4.3 South Korea Lobster Market Revenues & Volume, By Retail, 2021-2031F |
7 South Korea Lobster Market Import-Export Trade Statistics |
7.1 South Korea Lobster Market Export to Major Countries |
7.2 South Korea Lobster Market Imports from Major Countries |
8 South Korea Lobster Market Key Performance Indicators |
8.1 Average selling price of lobsters in South Korea |
8.2 Number of new lobster dishes introduced in South Korean restaurants |
8.3 Consumer sentiment towards lobster consumption |
8.4 Lobster import/export volume trends |
8.5 Number of lobster aquaculture facilities in South Korea |
9 South Korea Lobster Market - Opportunity Assessment |
9.1 South Korea Lobster Market Opportunity Assessment, By Species, 2021 & 2031F |
9.2 South Korea Lobster Market Opportunity Assessment, By Weight, 2021 & 2031F |
9.3 South Korea Lobster Market Opportunity Assessment, By Product Type, 2021 & 2031F |
9.4 South Korea Lobster Market Opportunity Assessment, By Distribution Channel, 2021 & 2031F |
10 South Korea Lobster Market - Competitive Landscape |
10.1 South Korea Lobster Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2021 |
10.2 South Korea Lobster Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
11 Company Profiles |
12 Recommendations |
13 Disclaimer |