The domestic market for traditional vegetable oils has experienced a notable expansion since 2020, driven by the increased prevalence of home-cooked meals due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, an increasing number of consumers are considering not only the taste of food but also its health benefits, which has contributed to this market growth. As of 2021, domestic sesame oil production reached 31,094 tons, an increase of 26.9% compared to 24,495 tons in 2017. Recently, companies specializing in traditional oils, such as sesame and perilla, have emerged. The increased interest and sales of these oils, which are used widely in Korean dishes as seasonings and dressings, have also seen a rise in sales and interest due to the increase in home cooking and the opening of specialized restaurants. As of the first half of 2022, Ottogi held the leading position in the traditional Korean vegetable oil market with a 45.4% market share, followed by CJ CheilJedang with 31.5%, Sajo Haepyo with 5.9%, and Daesang with 2.3%. In 2021, the estimated market size for sesame oil was KRW 400 billion. The majority of consumers (59.5%) purchase sesame oil manufactured by large food companies, with products from markets and mills representing the next most popular choice. Approximately 30% of sales are made through distribution channels such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms, while stores that manufacture and sell their products account for 20%. Traditional sesame oil is primarily produced and distributed through channels such as oil houses and mills. When purchasing sesame oil, 20% of consumers consider whether the product is domestically produced, 11.9% look for reliability, and 9.7% prefer handmade products. In 2021, the estimated market size for perilla oil was approximately KRW 100 billion, with major players including Ottogi, CJ, and Sajo. In contrast to sesame oil, 19.9% of consumers purchased perilla oil from supermarkets, while a higher percentage (48.8%) bought it from local markets and mills. The country of origin is the most important factor for 21.3% of consumers when purchasing perilla oil, followed by homemade products (13.7%) and trustworthy products (12.4%). Consumer trends indicate that 41.2% of perilla oil products are sourced from family members and relatives, while 34.8% are produced by large food manufacturers. In 2022, consumers placed a high value on health benefits, such as the omega-3 content, in addition to enhancing the taste and enjoyment of cooking. In 2018, the production of sesame oil reached 26,312 tons, with a total value of KRW 191.155 billion. This figure increased to 28,138 tons valued at KRW 202.796 billion in 2019 and 27,888 tons valued at KRW 239.039 billion in 2020. By 2021, production had reached 31,094 tons with a value of KRW 239.2 billion. In 2018, perilla oil production reached 5,421 tons, with a total value of KRW 38.87 billion. In 2019, production reached 4,395 tons with a value of KRW 41.196 billion, 4,187 tons valued at KRW 60.566 billion in 2020, and 4,661 tons valued at KRW 61.356 billion in 2021. The cultivation area for sesame seeds for sesame oil-making saw a significant increase of 14.7% in 2022, reaching 22,039 hectares compared to 19,218 hectares in 2021. Sesame production increased by 15.7% to 11,697 tons in 2022 from 10,090 tons the previous year. In 2018, the sesame production was 12,727 tons, cultivated on 24,760 hectares. In 2019, production reached 12,986 tons on 25,159 hectares, followed by 6,795 tons on 22,930 hectares in 2020 and 10,090 tons on 19,218 hectares in 2021. In 2021, the perilla cultivation area reached 37,406 hectares, representing a 3.6% increase from the previous year. In 2018, perilla production reached 40,344 tons, representing a 20.5% decline from the previous year. In 2018, 40,344 tons were produced from 34,863 hectares. This increased to 42,341 tons from 37,377 hectares in 2019, 38,784 tons from 36,111 hectares in 2020, and 42,493 tons from 37,406 hectares in 2021.

Changchang Food Co., Ltd. is a producer of traditional Korean vegetable oils, including sesame and perilla oil. The company employs low-temperature pressing techniques to manufacture its products, which are sold domestically and internationally. The company was established as an agricultural corporation in late January 2020 and launched its products at the Wanju Local Food offline store in 2021. Changchang Food was recognized at the 2022 International Fermented Food Expo (JIFFE) for its excellent products and achieved HACCP certification for both sesame and perilla oil that year. On April 30, 2024, the company filed a patent for its “Method for Manufacturing Perilla Oil Using Low-Temperature Roasting.” In 2023, Changchang Food sold 1,153 kg of perilla oil, 11,952 kg of raw perilla oil, and 2,139 kg of sesame oil in South Korea. In addition, the company exported 335 kg of oil to the United States in November 2022 and August 2023. The products are available for purchase on various e-commerce platforms, including SSG.COM, LOTTEON, Interpark, Coupang, and Kakaotalk Shopping. The company cultivates approximately 71,166 square feet of sesame and perilla seeds, supplementing any shortfall with local purchases. Changchang Food’s products are sold under the brand name of “Friendly Park Seobang.” These products are made from 100% domestically produced perilla and sesame seeds, which are pressed only once using a low-temperature pressing method. This method guarantees the production of pure oil through a secondary filtering process. The bottling process employs a semi-automatic system with a filter to prevent the contamination of foreign substances, with an output capacity of up to 200 bottles of 300ml per day. The product line includes bottles of sesame and perilla oil in 100ml, 180ml, and 300ml sizes, as well as 5ml raw perilla oil sticks in packs of 10. Additionally, the product line includes 180ml and 300ml “Chamdeul Set” packages containing both sesame and perilla oils. The 5ml “Perilla oil stick” is particularly convenient for consumption, with a recommended 1 to 2 sticks daily, directly or in salads, juices, and various dishes. Both sesame oil and perilla oil should be stored at cool room temperature, with a shelf life of one year from the date of manufacture. Sesame and perilla oils are traditional Korean vegetable oils. They are free of sodium, sugar, trans fats, and cholesterol. Sesame oil contains 2% carbohydrates, 174% fat, 1% protein, and 98% saturated fat per 100ml (897 kcal), with 45% omega-6 fatty acids. It contains 40% monounsaturated fatty acids and lignans, an antioxidant that helps prevent cancer and inhibits aging. With 53% saturated fat per 100ml (867 kcal), perilla oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids (60%), which effectively prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, inflammatory diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps prevent skin diseases. Producing high-quality vegetable oil that retains the benefits of oils requires a significant investment of time and effort. Pressing the oil more than two or three times will significantly impair the quality of the product. Changchang Food guarantees that its products are pressed only once, impurities are removed using a fine filter, and bottling is done with infrared sterilization. The sesame and perilla seeds are sourced directly from farms and undergo intensive washing (4-5 times) before being roasted using a low-temperature technique to prevent the formation of benzopyrene, a carcinogenic compound produced when sesame seeds are excessively roasted and blackened. The company has successfully passed benzopyrene detection tests conducted by professional testing agencies, reflecting its commitment to strict hygiene and quality control.