Korean Confectionery Sells Like Hotcakes Abroad

Exports of Korean confectionery has surpassed imports for the first time thanks to growing popularity especially in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Confectionery exports reached US$251.63 million in 2015, compared to $243.29 in imports, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on Monday. They grew an average of 15.6 percent a year from 2011 to 2015.

Confectionery exports to Singapore alone jumped 4.2 times from $1.39 million to $5.78 million, and to Malaysia four times from $1.72 million to $6.86 million. Those to Saudi Arabia and the UAE rose 2.4 times to $5.86 million and 1.6 times to $1.96 million.

"Growing interest in Korea and its popular culture helped raise awareness of Korean confectionery," a ministry spokesman said.