South Korea's rice output expected to dip 0.6% in 2026 amid shrinking farms

According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics, South Korea's rice harvest is set to decline by 0.6% in 2026, reaching an estimated 3.51 million tons compared with 3.53 million tons a year earlier. The shrinkage reflects a 1.1% drop in the area under rice cultivation, now covering 670,000 hectares versus 678,000 hectares previously. Officials attribute the change to policies that support farmers transitioning to alternative crops.

By region, the combined output of South Jeolla Province and Gwangju is projected at 738,000 tons, followed by South Chungcheong Province with 689,000 tons and North Jeolla Province with 533,000 tons. Consumption of rice has been falling as diets shift toward wheat-based foods. The ministry will publish the definitive statistics in November.