How much rice will South Korea produce in 2026?

South Korea’s rice output is estimated at 3.51 million tons in 2026, down from 3.53 million tons the previous year. The final production figures are expected to be released in November.

Why is South Korea’s rice production declining in 2026?

The projected decline is mainly tied to a 1.1 percent reduction in rice cultivation area, which fell to 670,000 hectares from 678,000 hectares. The reduction reflects government efforts to adjust production by supporting farmers who switch to other crops.

Which South Korean regions are expected to produce the most rice in 2026?

South Jeolla Province and Gwangju are expected to lead with combined production of 738,000 tons. South Chungcheong Province is projected to produce 689,000 tons, while North Jeolla Province is estimated at 533,000 tons.

Korea's rice production projected to fall 0.6% in 2026: data ministry

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Summary

South Korea’s rice production is projected to decline in 2026 due to a reduction in cultivation area. Output is estimated at 3.51 million tons, down 0.6 percent from 3.53 million tons in 2025. The cultivation area fell 1.1 percent to 670,000 hectares as the government supports farmers switching to other crops. Final figures are scheduled for release in November.

Key Facts

South Jeolla Province and Gwangju are projected to produce 738,000 tons of rice, followed by South Chungcheong Province with 689,000 tons and North Jeolla Province with 533,000 tons.
The rice cultivation area decreased from 678,000 hectares a year earlier to 670,000 hectares in 2026.
Government efforts to adjust rice production include supporting farmers who switch from rice to other crops.
Declining rice consumption has been linked to dietary changes and a growing preference for wheat-based foods.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 8, 2026 12:25 pm KST

Rice paddies in Pyeongtaek, around 60 kilometers south of Seoul, Sept. 15 / Yonhap

SEJONG — Korea's production of rice, a key staple in the country's diet, is estimated to decline 0.6 percent in 2026 due to a reduction in cultivation area, data showed Thursday.

Rice output is expected to total 3.51 million tons, down from the previous year's 3.53 million tons, according to the Ministry of Data and Statistics.

The projected decline comes as the area under rice cultivation fell 1.1 percent to 670,000 hectares this year from 678,000 hectares a year earlier.

The reduction reflects government efforts to adjust rice production, including support for farmers switching to other crops.

By region, combined production in South Jeolla Province and Gwangju is estimated to reach 738,000 tons this year, followed by South Chungcheong Province with 689,000 tons and North Jeolla Province with 533,000 tons.

Although rice has traditionally been a staple food for Koreans, its consumption has steadily declined, largely due to dietary changes and a growing preference for alternatives, such as wheat-based foods.

The data ministry plans to release the final figures in November.

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