– We want to develop the export of Polish food on prospective markets outside Europe. The Republic of Korea is an important partner for us and Polish beef can effectively compete with other commodities in terms of its quality and safety. Today, it is particularly important to open new sales destinations and empower Polish producers on global markets – said Minister Stefan Krajewski.

Poland is striving for the opening of the market for beef

One of the most important topics of the meeting was the procedure for authorising the export of Polish beef to South Korea. Poland has already commenced the fifth stage of the eight-step access procedure conducted by Korea.

In 2021 and 2023, the Korean services carried out audits in Polish beef establishments. Poland was rated positively and advanced to the next stage of the procedure. Currently, the documentation is being analysed by Korean government experts.

The export of beef to the Republic of Korea requires the approval of both the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), as well as a positive decision of the Korean National Assembly.

– Poland is the second largest exporter of beef in the European Union. We have modern establishments, high veterinary standards and experience in exporting to demanding foreign markets. We want Polish beef to be also present on the Korean market – emphasised Minister Stefan Krajewski.

During the recent visit of Prime Minister Donald Tusk to the Republic of Korea, the Korean authorities declared to accelerate the process of opening the market for beef from Poland.

Korea is an important destination for the promotion of Polish food

The meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was held as part of the project “Beef from Poland in the Republic of South Korea – an inbound mission to Poland”, implemented by the Union of Producers and Employers of Meat Industry (UPEMI) under the “EU Good Food Good Life” programme co-financed by the European Union.

The event was attended by the representatives of Korean importers, industry media and Internet creators involved in the culinary topics.

The Republic of Korea is one of the key markets for the promotion of Polish food in Asia. In June, Poland will once again present its offer at the Seoul Food & Hotel 2026 fair in Seoul. At the Polish stand, the companies will present, among others, meat products, milk products, beverages, sweets, fish products and organic food.

Increasing export of Polish food

In 2025, the export of Polish agri-food products to the Korean market reached the value of EUR 109.6 million and was by about 18% higher than the year before. Poland maintains a positive balance in food trade with the Republic of Korea, which in 2025 amounted to more than EUR 51 million.

The largest share in the export was that of:

• milk and milk products,
• pork,
• potato starch,
• beer,
• chocolate and cocoa products.

The export of pork is particularly dynamic in terms of its increase. Sales of this product range increased from EUR 1.9 million in 2024 to EUR 13.8 million in 2025.

Poland wants to expand access to include other products

The Ministry of Agriculture is also being in talks with the Republic of Korea on expanding market access to include further agri-food products.

In December 2025, the Korean services conducted audits in Polish milk and egg production establishments. Currently, Poland is awaiting the completion of the procedures and further decisions of the Korean party.

Since January 2025, it has also been possible to export poultry meat from approved Polish establishments based on an agreed health certificate. At present, 16 Polish poultry establishments are authorised to export to the Korean market.