Export of Hanwoo to Hong Kong Gains Speed on Korean Wave

Sejong, 26 November 2024 — From 21 to 24 November, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) visited Hong Kong to increase the exports of hanwoo (i.e. Korean beef) with a hanwoo export group consisting of the Hanwoo Association, the Hanwoo Self-Help Fund Management Committee, the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation, and export companies.  

As of 2024, Hong Kong has imported approximately 80% of exports of hanwoo from South Korea, and people there are showing high interest in Korean culture. Hong Kong, a financial and cultural hub where people gather from around the world, functions as an important bridgehead for export of hanwoo into a global market. 

As of 2023, exports of hanwoo to Hong Kong stood at 42.6 tonnes, and in 2024, the exports are expected to be at a similar value. Currently, hanwoo is allowed to be exported to Hong Kong, Macao, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

On 21 November, during the visit, the MAFRA had discussions on a promotional plan of hanwoo for the year 2025 with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Cultural Centre in Hong Kong. Previously in 2024, the MAFRA and the Korean Cultural Centre in Hong Kong promoted hanwoo in K-pop events such as the KCON Hong Kong 2024 and the 2024 Waterbomb in Hong Kong. 

On 22 November, the MAFRA had a meeting with officials of the Centre for Food Safety of Hong Kong and asked the Hong Kong side to approve the joint markets in the county (gun: a Korean administrative district) of Eumseong and the city of Bucheon, which are among the largest livestock slaughterhouses of South Korea, as the establishments eligible to export beef as well as beef products. Director Kang Dong-yoon of the MAFRA’s Livestock Policy Division said: “Those two livestock slaughterhouses are among the largest ones in South Korea, and have earned a HACCP certification from the MAFRA. Therefore, they boast the highest levels of hygiene and product quality.” 

From 23 to 24 November, the MAFRA and a hanwoo export group held the K-Beef Day 2024, a promotional event of hanwoo, at an outdoor square of Hong Kong Cultural Centre; presented plaques of appreciation to local importers; and awarded a certificate to the best local sellers of hanwoo. Importers of hanwoo who participated in the event said: “Hanwoo is recognized as a high-end food ingredient in Hong Kong, and usually, supplied to luxury restaurants and big-box stores. But the hanwoo market in Hong Kong is expected to become larger on the Korean wave.”

Director Kang Dong-yoon of the MAFRA’s Livestock Policy Division said: “Earlier in 2024, the MAFRA adopted the hanwoo traceability system for the first time in the world. This system allows consumers in Hong Kong to see information on the entire process of production and distribution through which hanwoo passes. We have carried out diverse policies to increase exports of hanwoo to Hong Kong this year. Going forward, we will work closely with the Hong Kong government authorities in the field of agri-food products.”