2026 Seoul Food & Hotel International Food Exhibition in Seoul, South Korea

2026 Seoul International Food Exhibition, South Korea

Seoul Food & Hotel 2026

I. Exhibition Overview

Exhibition dates: June 9–12

Exhibition Venue: KINTEX Korea International Exhibition Center

Event frequency: Once a year

Organizer: Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency

Organizing Entity: Shandong Zhenghe International Exhibition Co., Ltd.

II. Exhibition Overview

First held in 1983, the Seoul International Food Exhibition (Seoul Food & Hotel) has grown alongside the food industry and has now become one of Asia’s four major international food expos. By 2025, it will have celebrated its 42nd edition, with an exhibition space exceeding 76,000 square meters, 3,033 booths, exhibitors from 47 countries and regions—totaling 1,639 participating companies—and 45,332 professional visitors from around the globe. China’s exhibit area spans over 3,000 square meters, equivalent to 355 booths. The show is organized across seven pavilions: Pavilions 1–3 host domestic Korean exhibitors; Pavilions 3–5 comprise the International Food Zone, featuring participants from the United States, Europe, Canada, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Peru, and many other nations, with Chinese companies concentrated primarily in Pavilion 5; and Pavilions 7–8 are dedicated to hotel‑related products. As Korea’s longest‑running, largest‑scale, most internationally oriented, and most authoritative food event, the exhibition provides a premier platform for food manufacturers, suppliers, industry professionals, and hospitality‑related businesses worldwide to network and collaborate. It also offers visitors the opportunity to learn about industry trends and the latest technologies.

III. Market Overview

South Korea is the world’s 13th-largest economy, with a population of 51.67 million and a GDP of US$1.79 trillion. It ranks fifth in purchasing power in Asia and exerts significant influence on the regional economy. However, South Korea’s food supply relies heavily on imports from the United States, China, Australia, and Brazil.

Over the 33 years since China and South Korea established diplomatic relations, bilateral ties have grown rapidly and comprehensively, particularly in the economic and trade sectors. Cooperation has yielded remarkable achievements, with China remaining South Korea’s largest trading partner for the 20th consecutive year. From January to August 2025, the bilateral trade in goods between China and South Korea totaled US$212.258 billion. Specifically, China’s exports to South Korea amounted to US$95.282 billion, while its imports from South Korea reached US$116.976 billion, and this sustained growth underscores the solid foundation of their economic partnership.

South Korea’s food consumption market boasts significant potential, with a market value reaching US$110 billion. China is one of South Korea’s largest import sources for food products, particularly fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, glass noodles and cellophane noodles, freeze‑dried fruits and vegetables, pickled and fermented vegetables, food additives, seasonings, seafood, meat products, and alcoholic beverages—items that are highly sought after by Korean buyers. At the same time, South Korea’s food market is experiencing diversified growth, driven by social trends such as a fast‑paced lifestyle, the rise of single‑person households, and an aging population. Consequently, demand among Korean consumers for convenient, ready‑to‑eat, meal‑replacement, and frozen foods has surged. Meanwhile, the “health and happiness” trend is gaining momentum, with sugar‑free drinks, low‑sugar, low‑sodium, and reduced‑calorie products enjoying growing popularity. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of South Korea has also stated that the country will prioritize the development of five key food sectors: customized, functional, ready‑to‑eat, environmentally friendly, and export‑oriented products. IV. Scope of Exhibits

General Food Section

Produce: dried fruits, vegetables, fruits, grains, oatmeal, canned foods;

Meat processing products; food additives and ingredients; seasonings/spices;

Confectionery and baked goods: pastries, bread, cookies, candies, cakes, gummies, ice cream, and more;

Pet Food: pet treats, pet feed, and more;

Nutrition & Health: Health/Wellness Foods, Natural Foods;

Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Beverages & Alcoholic Drinks (wine, beer, baijiu, regional specialty spirits, soft drinks, coffee)

Tea and Coffee Category: tea and coffee, tea and coffee accessories, etc.;

Food Machinery and Packaging: sterilization kettles, meat processing equipment, packaging materials and products, printing and labeling technologies, etc.

Hotel Supplies Section

Catering Equipment: Commercial kitchen equipment, refrigeration equipment, ice cream machines, tableware, cookware, disposable tableware, tabletop accessories, and more.

V. Contact Information

Shandong Zhenghe International Exhibition Co., Ltd.

9th Floor, Building 1, Xiangtai Plaza, No. 129 Yingxiongshan Road, Shizhong District, Jinan City

Liu Jiayu 0531-86117962 17866706991

Li Xinru 0531-82975940 17860238434

Tang Xiaoxu 0531-82975912 13869171702

Sun Linan 0531-82708506 13075357041

Email: zhenghesd@163.com