According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the South Korea corn starch market reached a volume of approximately 0.60 million tons in 2025. Driven by rising demand from the food processing, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.30% between 2026 and 2035, reaching an estimated volume of 0.75 million tons by 2035. Corn starch, a carbohydrate-rich derivative of maize, is widely utilised for its thickening, stabilising, and binding properties across multiple applications.

Corn starch plays a critical role in both domestic and industrial applications in South Korea. In the food and beverage sector, it is extensively used as a thickening agent in soups, sauces, desserts, and confectionery products. Additionally, corn starch is valued in industrial applications such as adhesives, textiles, paper, and biodegradable packaging materials due to its versatile functional properties.

South Korea Corn Starch Market Trends

Several emerging trends are shaping the South Korea corn starch market. One notable trend is the increasing demand for clean-label and natural ingredients in processed foods, which has prompted manufacturers to favour corn starch over synthetic alternatives. Furthermore, the growing focus on functional foods and gluten-free diets has contributed to higher usage of corn starch in bakery and snack products.

Another significant trend is the adoption of modified corn starches with enhanced functional properties such as improved viscosity, freeze-thaw stability, and solubility. 

Drivers of Growth

The growth of the South Korea corn starch market is primarily driven by expanding processed food consumption and the rising demand for convenience and ready-to-eat meals. Increasing urbanisation and changing dietary patterns are stimulating the use of corn starch in packaged and fast foods. Additionally, the pharmaceutical sector’s utilisation of corn starch as a binder and excipient in tablet and capsule formulations contributes to market growth.

Industrial applications also support market expansion, particularly in adhesives, textiles, and biodegradable packaging solutions. With an increasing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly materials, corn starch-based alternatives are increasingly preferred over petrochemical-derived products.

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South Korea Corn Starch Market Forecast

Over the forecast period from 2026 to 2035, the South Korea corn starch market is expected to experience consistent growth at a CAGR of 2.30%, reaching a projected volume of 0.75 million tons by 2035. With rising adoption in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors, coupled with ongoing innovation in functional and modified starch products, the market is poised for steady expansion, reflecting South Korea’s evolving dietary preferences and industrial growth.