The export value of Korean frozen dumplings reached an impressive KRW 88.5 billion last year, reflecting a continued rise in popularity of these products. Having established itself as a key K-food product alongside ramyeon and snacks, the frozen dumpling market has nearly doubled in growth over the past five years. The United States remains the largest export market, with Japan ranking second. Notably, Japan, with a total import value of USD 1,569 for frozen dumplings, shows significant potential for continued growth.
Japan’s geographical proximity to Korea is an advantage for the distribution of frozen dumplings, while the Japanese fondness for “gyoza” has contributed to the success of Korean dumplings in this market. The growing interest in K-pop and Korean cuisine has also fueled enthusiasm for Korean-style dumplings. Furthermore, the shift in eating habits due to the impact of COVID-19, which has led to a preference for convenient and easy-to-prepare foods, has further boosted the popularity of frozen dumplings. Although both Korean dumplings and Japanese gyoza have their roots in China, there are notable differences between the two, including variations in dough fermentation, size, fillings, and cooking methods.

A variety of Korean frozen dumpling products are available on Japan’s leading online shopping platform, Rakuten. Notable products include CJ Foods’ “Bibigo King Mandu,” Chungjungone’s “Japchae Mandu,” and Dongwon’s “Gaeseong King Mandu,” along with offerings from other brands. The Rakuten selection includes a variety of classic meat flavors, kimchi, shrimp, seafood, and unique options such as kimchi cheese. In addition, there is a diverse range of dumplings available, including pan-fried, boiled, handmade, and thin-skinned varieties, which have proven to be highly sought-after by Japanese consumers.

Customer feedback for the frozen dumplings on Rakuten has been positive: “The dumpling skin is chewy and delicious, so I repurchased it,” “It’s easy to cook and pairs well with Korean soy sauce, making it very tasty,” and “Larger than typical dumplings, they’re great as a side dish, and I always keep some in the freezer.”