Everything you need to know about Korea’s strawberries

Strawberries are the new Seoul souvenir — proven by the crowds of tourists lining up for them at western Seoul's Mangwon Market. Once a hidden gem for street food lovers craving "tteokbokki" and "hotteok" (Korean sweet pancake), the market is now having a berry sweet moment as travelers scoop up bright-red boxes of Korea’s juiciest spring treat. “The love for strawberries is a recent phenomenon,” said a fruit seller. “And most of (the customers) are Asian tourists.” In Korea, strawberries have long been the most coveted fruit in winter and spring, known for their juicy sweetness and delicate texture. But in recent years, their fame has ripened beyond borders. According to Statistics Korea, strawberry exports jumped from $32 million in 2016 to $69 million in 2024, making them the country’s third-most-exported fresh agricultural product, after paprika and pears. Demand is especially strong in Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Malaysia. In 2022, one Korean newspaper even reported that chartered flights were used to fly strawberries to