New Foods on the Block: Duck and Tuna as New Protein Sources in South Korea in the 1980s

This study examines the evolution and impact of the duck and tuna industries in South Korea from the 1980s to the present. It explores how these initially unfamiliar food products gained widespread acceptance, becoming integral components of the Korean diet and food industry. The research highlights the interplay of political, economic, technological, and socio-cultural factors that facilitated this transformation. Firstly, this study traces the development of the duck industry from its supply-driven beginnings to its current status, where per capita consumption averages 3-4 kilograms annually. Parallel to this, the research secondly investigates the growth of the canned tuna market, particularly focusing on Dongwon’s history and its strategic initiatives in product development, marketing, and adaptation to local tastes. The study emphasizes how canned tuna transitioned from a niche product to a dominant force in the processed food market, accounting for nearly 50 percent of canned food in product value. It concludes by discussing how these “new foods on the block” have become embedded in Korean society, reflecting broader changes in dietary habits, food processing technologies, and cultural perceptions of food. This research contributes to our understanding of food industry development in rapidly industrializing economies and the complex factors influencing dietary transitions in modern societies.