Current Status of Edible Insect Industry in Korea: Contemporary Issues, Challenges, and Path Ahead

Sampat Ghosh; Sukjun Sun; Chuleui Jung

doi:10.6156/JTAR.202606_75(2).0001

Current Status of Edible Insect Industry in Korea: Contemporary Issues, Challenges, and Path Ahead

Other Title

韓國食用昆蟲產業之現況分析：現今議題、面臨挑戰與未來發展方向

Journal

台灣農業研究

Journal Volume

75

Journal Issue

2

Start Page

171

End Page

184

ISSN

2790-086X

Date Issued

2026-06-01

Author(s)

Sampat Ghosh

Sukjun Sun

Chuleui Jung

DOI

10.6156/JTAR.202606_75(2).0001

URI

https://scholars.tari.gov.tw/handle/123456789/24978

Abstract

The edible insect industry in South Korea has evolved from its deep-rooted tradition of using insects such as silkworm pupae for food and medicine to a modern sector integrating advanced technologies and sustainability. Recent years have seen significant expansion, with approximately 245 operational insect farms producing species such as mealworms, crickets, silkworm pupae, black soldier fly larvae, and honeybee drones. Supported by regulatory frameworks like the Insect Industry Promotion Act (2011) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification, the industry aims to address food security, rural development, and environmental concerns. Large-scale production facilities and AI-driven automation have increased efficiency, while global collaborations and export strategies have positioned South Korea as a leader in the global edible insect market. Nevertheless, scaling up production raises sustainability challenges, especially regarding energy use and carbon footprints. To maintain environmental benefits, strategies including renewable energy adoption, circular economy practices, and innovative processing are essential. Consumer acceptance is fostered by integrating insects into familiar food products and animal feed. Overall, South Korea’s edible insect sector represents a fusion of cultural heritage and cutting-edge technology, contributing to food security, sustainability, and health. The industry’s continued growth will depend on balancing large-scale production with environmental impact and meeting evolving consumer preferences. South Korea is well-positioned to shape the global edible insect market, driving innovation in sustainable protein production and securing a resilient future for global food systems.

韓國食用昆蟲產業已從原先僅利用蠶蛹等昆蟲作為食品與藥物的根深蒂固的傳統，發展成為一個融合先進技術與永續發展的現代化產業。近年來，此產業得到顯著發展，約有 245 個運作中的昆蟲養殖場，養殖著麵包蟲、蟋蟀、蠶蛹、黑水虻幼蟲以及蜜蜂雄蜂等昆蟲。在 2011 年的《昆蟲產業促進法》與 Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) 認證等監管架構的支持下，該產業旨在解決糧食安全、農村發展及環境問題。大規模生產設施與人工智慧驅動的自動化提高了生產效率，而全球合作與出口策略使韓國在全球食用昆蟲市場中居於領先地位。然而，為了擴大生產規模卻也帶來是否足以永續發展的挑戰，尤其是在能源使用與碳足跡方面。為維持環境效益，採用包括再生能源、實施循環經濟以及創新加工等策略至關重要。透過將昆蟲融入常見的食品與動物飼料中，可提高消費者的接受度。總體而言，韓國食用昆蟲產業融合了文化遺產與尖端科技，為糧食安全、永續發展及健康作出了具體貢獻。該行業的持續成長取決於如何在規模化生產與環境影響之間取得平衡，並滿足不斷變化的消費者偏好。韓國擁有塑造全球食用昆蟲市場的有利條件，能夠推動永續蛋白質生產的創新，並確保全球糧食體系擁有韌性的未來。

Subjects

Automation

AI

Circular economy

Sustainability

Food security

自動化

人工智慧

循環經濟

永續性

糧食安全

Publisher

農業部農業試驗所

Type

journal article

File(s)

Name

75-2-1.pdf

Size

1.77 MB

Format

Adobe PDF

Checksum

(MD5):8bf46f3ed41b45cadcfa7805575d9073