S. Korea's food exports reach $10.13 billion so far this year

South Korea's exports of foodstuffs from Jan. 1 to Nov. 25 reached a $10.13 billion period, up 16.1 percent on-year, exceeding the $10 billion for the first time since the country began compiling data in 1971.

The robust performance was partly attributed to the popularity of "hallyu," the Korean wave of pop culture.

Last year, the country posted agricultural and fishery goods exports at a yearly record high of $9.87 billion.

There were increased shipments of strawberries, grapes, seaweed products, or "gim" in Korean, and traditional foodstuffs, such as kimchi and ginseng.

Seaweed products were South Korea's No. 1 food export item, reaching $600 million in outbound shipments during the period.

Kimchi and ginseng were also in demand due to the popularity of hallyu and increased health consciousness among consumers worldwide.