Review of rice in Korea: current status, future prospects, and comparisons with rice in other countries

Rice has been grown as a staple food in South Korea for several millennia. However, its status has not stayed constant as a result of changes in South Korean culture and government policies. Nevertheless, the preference of South Korean consumers for japonica rice has remained consistent over the known history of the country. Despite having achieved self-sufficiency in rice production in the 1970s, the South Korean rice market faces several challenges, such as declining rice consumption. This brief review provides an overview of the trends and influencing factors of rice production and consumption in South Korea, as well as suggestions for increasing rice consumption and securing rice production in the country.