CreatripTeam

Korean rice exports to Japan jumped from zero last year to about 550.7 tons (Jan–Sep) this year, and when small 'hand‑carry' purchases by Japanese tourists (검역증명서: quarantine certificate) are included, total crossings approach 1,000 tons for 2024. The shift was driven by a sharp rise in Japanese rice prices after 2023’s extreme heat reduced harvests and tourist-driven demand increased; Japan’s retail rice price is now more than 20% above last year. Korean retail rice remains roughly 42% of Japanese prices, making Korean rice attractive despite tariffs (관세: customs duty) and transport costs that limit profitability. Major exports have been led by NongHyup, with plans to continue shipments and promote Korean rice to visiting Japanese tourists to build recognition and demand.