Overseas Diplomatic Missions to Serve as K-Food Export Hubs Worldwide... 30 Designated in Promising Markets

The government is set to expand K-Food exports through overseas diplomatic missions located around the world. Not only in the United States and China, but also in Asia, Europe, and especially the Middle East, overseas diplomatic missions such as those in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will play a key role in supporting the expansion of K-Food exports.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on January 27, 2026, that they have designated 30 overseas diplomatic missions as K-Food export hubs for the year 2026.

The government received applications from all overseas missions and selected 30 out of 43 based on a comprehensive review of factors such as: ▲ export growth rate and ripple effect by region, ▲ market diversification into promising and potential markets, and ▲ the mission’s advance planning and potential for collaboration with related organizations.

Five missions were selected in key markets such as the United States, China, and Japan; 17 in promising markets including ASEAN, Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East; and 8 in potential markets such as Oceania, Central and South America, and Africa.

A representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs stated, “K-Food hub missions are expected to serve as a strong platform supporting export companies in pioneering new markets and expanding their global presence. Based on local diplomatic networks, they will provide comprehensive export support, including assisting companies’ entry into new markets, resolving export challenges, and promoting K-Food through public diplomacy.”

K-Food hub missions will establish public-private consultative bodies with local organizations such as the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), KOTRA, and cultural centers, as well as buyers and distributors. They will collect and analyze local market information-including non-tariff barriers, food-related regulations, and consumer trends-and provide it to export companies. In addition, they will support the discovery of local distribution channels, assist with customs clearance and quarantine procedures, respond to non-tariff barriers and counterfeit or imitation products, and promote strategic and promising items to local opinion leaders, influencers, and consumers.

Minister Song Miryung of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said, “Since more than 80% of K-Food hub missions are located in promising and potential markets such as ASEAN, Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South America, they will play a major role in diversifying K-Food’s market entry. We will do our utmost to ensure K-Food’s global leap forward by closely collaborating with related organizations, key local institutions, and experts in each region, and by pursuing convergence marketing with other K-initiatives in culture, beauty, and fashion, centered around the K-Food hub missions.”

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