Korea exports beef to Laos, marking 6th overseas market for 'hanwoo'

Officials pose during the 2025 "hanwoo" pre-launch ceremony in Laos, July 24. Courtesy of PR Biz

Korea's premium "hanwoo" beef has begun exports to Laos, making the Southeast Asian country the sixth international destination for the prized meat, a domestic beef association said Thursday.

According to the National Hanwoo Association, the first shipment was successfully completed last week, adding Laos to Korea's existing export markets of Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Cambodia, Mongolia and the United Arab Emirates.

The initial shipment involved 150 kilograms of hanwoo beef, the association said, noting that quarantine-related hurdles between the two countries were resolved through private-sector negotiations in collaboration with its partner PR Biz.

Talks are currently under way with local buyers to export a total of 2 tons by the end of the year, it added.