Journal of Rural Development
Determinants of K-Food Exports Reflecting the K-Culture and NTMs
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AuthorJeong, Taegyoon
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Publication Date2025.12.21
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Original
This study empirically analyses the determinants of exports for five representative K-Food products—instant noodles (ramyeon), confectionery, beverages, coffee preparations, and kimchi. To this end, panel data covering a period of 18 years (2006‒2023) were constructed, and the Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood gravity model was applied. The key explanatory variables include importers’ tariff rates, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) status, non-tariff measures (NTMs) including SPS and TBT, per capita GDP, the number of overseas Koreans, and K-Culture (measured by the export value of Korean cultural contents).
The empirical results reveal that FTA participation has a significantly positive effect on ramyeon exports, whereas tariffs and SPS measures constrain them. Kimchi exports are highly sensitive to tariff rates, with higher tariffs exerting a strong negative effect. NTMs show both restrictive and facilitative effects depending on the product category: SPS measures positively influence beverage and kimchi exports, while compliance with TBT requirements is statistically associated with increased exports of confectionery and coffee preparations. The K-Culture variable exerts a significant positive effect on the exports of ramyeon and kimchi, suggesting that cultural exposure strengthens consumer demand for these products. Overall, this study provides empirical evidence for quantifying the tariff-equivalent effects of NTMs and for developing product-specific export strategies tailored to K-Food industries.
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