Koreans still consume 1.6 times more sodium than WHO’s recommendation. Here’s what the latest health report reveals.
📰 Hook / Intro
Korean food is famous for its bold and rich flavors, but new data reveals a health concern behind the taste. According to a 2025 report by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Koreans are still consuming dangerously high levels of sodium—and younger generations are also taking in too much sugar.
📊 Sodium Intake: Still Too High
The average Korean adult consumes 3,136mg of sodium per day, which is 1.6 times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 2,000mg.
- In comparison to 2011 (4,789mg), this is a 34.5% reduction.
- However, since 2019, the progress has slowed with only a 4.7% decrease.
- Men (3,696mg) consume more sodium than women (2,576mg), and those in their 30s and 40s are the highest consumers.
📌 Top sodium sources include:
- Noodles and dumplings
- Kimchi
- Soups and stews
- Stir-fried dishes
🍜 Notably, eating out results in much higher sodium intake (1,522mg per meal) compared to home-cooked meals (1,031mg).
🍭 Sugar Intake: Youth in the Danger Zone
While the average daily sugar intake from processed foods stayed around 35g over the past five years, young girls and teens often exceed the WHO recommendation (10% of daily calorie intake).
Top sources include:
- Sugary drinks
- Bread and pastries
- Ice cream and sweetened fruit juices
🧠 Expert Recommendations
The Korean government continues to promote sodium and sugar reduction through:
- Public education and nutrition labeling
- Supporting development of “healthier” food products
- Publishing yearly healthy cooking guides like “삼삼한 밥상” (Mild & Healthy Table)
💡 Tips for healthier eating in Korea:
- Choose water over soda
- Opt for fresh fruits instead of pastries
- Check nutrition labels before buying snacks
🌍 Why It Matters
With K-Food becoming a global trend, this health insight gives foreign fans a closer look at what Koreans really eat—and what they’re trying to fix. The salty, spicy dishes may be iconic, but health is becoming a growing priority in modern Korean life.
[…] 👉 Why Koreans Are Eating Too Salty […]