Freshness Over Price: Imported UHT Milk Not Always Cheaper Than Korean Fresh Milk
Creatrip Team
a month ago
Imported shelf-stable UHT (ultra-high-temperature) milk has grown in Korea’s retail channels, but price and quality comparisons with domestic fresh milk require careful context. Imported UHT accounts for only about 3% of domestic milk production volume, and price varies widely by origin — from around 1,500 KRW per liter for some Polish brands to over 6,000 KRW for certain UK products, while many European imports cost more than Korean milk. Domestic fresh milk (distributed chilled) and imported UHT (stored at room temperature) follow different supply chains, so direct price-only comparisons can be misleading. Korea’s hygiene standards for raw milk are strict (e.g., bacterial count and somatic cell limits comparable to Denmark and stricter than some European countries), and 99.59% of last year’s domestic milk met top-grade criteria. Surveys show Korean consumers prioritize freshness over price when buying milk. Given exchange rate and commodity risks, maintaining domestic milk production is important for supply stability; consumers should compare distribution methods and quality grades, not just price.
