SEOUL – South Koreans’ consumption of rice continued its downward trend, reaching an all-time low in 2024, primarily due to changes in their diet and eating habits, data showed Thursday.

Each South Korean consumed 64.4 kilograms of rice on average last year, down 0.3 percent, or 0.2 kilogram, from the previous year, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea.

It is the lowest level since the government began compiling related data in 1962.

Although rice has traditionally been a staple food for Koreans, its consumption has steadily declined, largely due to dietary changes and the growing preference for other grains, such as wheat flour.

The 2024 figure is half the amount reported 30 years ago when consumption was 120.5 kilograms, the data showed.

Despite the overall decline, the use of rice by food and beverage manufacturers increased by 6.9 percent on-year, reaching 873,363 tons in 2024. (Yonhap)

Published Date: January 23, 2025