By Yonhap

Korea’s rice output declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, mainly due to a record low cultivation area and changing eating habits, government data showed Thursday.

Rice production decreased 1.3 percent on-year to 3.54 million tons this year, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Data and Statistics.

This marks the second-lowest annual production level on record, following the 3.51 million tons recorded in 2020.

The decline this year comes as the total size of rice paddies slid 2.9 percent on-year to a record low of 678,000 hectares. It is the smallest figure since the agency began compiling relevant data in 1975.

Despite a drop in overall output, output per 100 square meters increased 1.7 percent on-year to 514 kilograms this year, according to the ministry.

Rice remains a staple food in Korea, but consumption has steadily fallen in recent decades amid shifts in dietary preferences and eating habits.

Published Date: November 13, 2025