Noodles, dumplings, kimchi among top sources of sodium in Koreans’ diets

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Koreans consume about 1.6 times more sodium than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on Tuesday.

According to surveys conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the average Korean consumed about 3,136 milligrams of sodium a day in 2023, far more than the WHO’s recommended 2,000 milligrams a day. The average sodium intake for men was 3,696 milligrams per day while the average for women was 2,576 milligrams per day.

Results showed that noodles, dumplings, kimchi and soup were among Koreans' main sources of sodium. “We need to make continued efforts to reduce sodium intake by cooking with less salt,” the ministry said. The WHO calls sodium reduction one of the most cost-effective strategies for addressing chronic conditions such as heart disease.

Meanwhile, Koreans’ daily sugar intake was estimated at 35.5 grams in 2023, making up 7.7 percent of their total caloric input. The figure was less than the 10 percent recommended by the WHO.

However, sugar intake was significantly higher among female children, teenagers and young adults, with daily averages between 42.1 and 46.6 grams, exceeding 10 percent of total daily calories. Nearly half of their daily intake came from processed foods like soft drinks, bread, fruits and ice cream.

The ministry recommended that people should drink water instead of sugary beverages and eat fresh fruit instead of cookies or bread. “When purchasing processed foods, check the sugar total on the nutrition facts label,” it added.