Food Technologist Salary in South Korea (2025) Trends

South Korea’s food technology market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.6% from 2024 to 2030, making it a lucrative industry for professionals. Government initiatives, such as the Food and Pharmaceutical Regulatory Reform 2.0, are boosting investments and creating more job opportunities. With the rising demand for food innovation and safety standards, Food Technologists are among the most sought-after professionals in South Korea’s food industry.

South Korea, known for its rich culinary traditions and innovative food industry, is a dream destination for aspiring food technologists. From globally loved products like kimchi and instant noodles to cutting-edge developments in food safety and technology, South Korea offers endless opportunities for professionals in this field. 

As a food technologist in South Korea, you can enjoy competitive salaries, with an average annual income of KRW 24,239,000 and potential earnings up to KRW 38,641,600 for experienced professionals. The country’s booming food exports focus on quality standards, and advancements in research make it an ideal place to grow your career while being part of a vibrant food culture.

How Much Does a Food Technologist Earn in South Korea? 

Food technologists in South Korea earn competitive salaries, reflecting their expertise in the food industry. The average annual salary is KRW 24,239,000 or about KRW 2,019,916 per month. Entry-level professionals typically start with an annual salary of KRW 11,173,600 (around KRW 931,133 monthly), while experienced food technologists can earn up to KRW 38,641,600 annually, equivalent to KRW 3,220,133 per month. 

Salaries vary based on experience, location, and the type of organization. With South Korea’s growing focus on food safety, innovation, and exports, this career offers financial stability and opportunities for growth.

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Food Technologist Salary in South Korea By Experience Level 

Fresh graduates and junior food technologists working in R&D labs, food processing plants, and quality assurance typically fall into this category. Experts in food safety compliance, nutrition science, and innovative food technologies command higher salaries.

The salary of a Food Technologist in South Korea varies significantly based on experience. Entry-level professionals earn lower salaries, but as they gain experience and specialize in areas like food safety, product development, and quality control, their earning potential increases. Below is a detailed breakdown of average annual salaries based on experience:

Experience Level	Average Salary Per Year
0-2 Years	KRW 12,721,300
2-5 Years	KRW 16,918,700
5-10 Years	KRW 25,079,200
10-15 Years	KRW 30,479,000
15-20 Years	KRW 33,240,500
20+ Years	KRW 36,001,200

Food Technologist Salary in South Korea By Education Level 

A bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biotechnology, or Nutrition is the minimum qualification for most full-time Food Technologist positions in South Korea. A master’s degree in food technology or a related field opens doors to higher-paying roles in R&D, food innovation, and regulatory affairs.

Education plays a major role in determining the salary of a Food Technologist in South Korea. Higher academic qualifications often lead to better job opportunities, faster career progression, and higher pay. Employers in the food processing, biotechnology, and nutrition industries prioritize candidates with advanced degrees and specialized training. Below is a detailed salary breakdown based on education level:

Education Level	Average Salary Per Year
Bachelor’s Degree	KRW 14,760,200
Master’s Degree	KRW 28,439,500
PhD	KRW 45,639,500

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Food Technologist Salary in South Korea By Organisation

The salary of a Food Technologist in South Korea varies depending on the type of organization, its size, industry reputation, and funding for research and development. Large multinational companies and government agencies tend to offer higher salaries, better benefits, and career growth opportunities, while smaller firms or startups may provide lower base pay but faster career progression.

Below is a breakdown of Food Technologist salaries based on organization type:

Organisation	Average Salary Per Year
Hanwha Group	KRW 51,000,000- KRW 56,000,000
Thermo Fisher Scientific	KRW 56,000,000- KRW 61,000,000
University of Seoul	KRW 31,000,000- KRW 38,000,000
Entergis	KRW 20,000,000- KRW 28,000,000
Dong-A Pharmaceutical	KRW 50,000,000- KRW 60,000,000
Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical	KRW 50,000,000- KRW 60,000,000
International Vaccine Institute	KRW 60,000,000- KRW 70,000,000
LG Chem	KRW 70,000,000- KRW 80,000,000

Food Technologist Salary in South Korea By Cities 

The salary of a Food Technologist in South Korea varies significantly based on the city of employment. Major metropolitan areas like Seoul and Busan offer higher salaries due to greater job opportunities, the presence of multinational food companies, and higher living costs. On the other hand, smaller cities provide lower salaries but may have better work-life balance and lower expenses.

Here’s an overview of Food Technologist salaries in South Korea by cities:

Cities	Average Salary Per Year
Bucheon	KRW 60,361,600
Busan	KRW 71,280,900
Daegu	KRW 68,878,700
Daejeon	KRW 67,681,200
Goyang	KRW 63,000,700
Gwangju	KRW 66,481,700
Incheon	KRW 70,079,900
Seongnam	KRW 61,441,300
Seoul	KRW 72,481,900
Suwon	KRW 65,280,600
Ulsan	KRW 64,198,300

Food Technologist Salary in South Korea By Position

The salary of a Food Technologist in South Korea depends heavily on the job position, level of responsibility, and experience. Entry-level professionals typically earn less, while senior roles in R&D, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs offer higher salaries.

Below is a detailed breakdown of salaries by position within the food technology industry in South Korea.

Positions	Average Salary Per Year
Economic Development Specialist	KRW 79,079,700
Flavourist	KRW 33,599,200
Forensic Scientist	KRW 82,321,100
Genomics Scientist	KRW 102,599,200
Laboratory Manager	KRW 72,119,000
Materials Scientist	KRW  74,758,600
Natural Sciences Manager	KRW 99,000,200
Research Scientist	KRW 70,801,500
Water Ecologist	KRW 85,681,300

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