Korea's beekeepers battle rising honeybee deaths and shrinking profits amid climate threats
Korea’s beekeeping industry is facing growing challenges as honeybee deaths rise and profits shrink. Many beekeepers now rely on sugar feeding to keep their colonies alive, but the practice has sparked controversy. With climate change and pesticide use weakening hives, the sector is under increasing strain. In North Jeolla Province, honeybee deaths reached 15% during the 2024–2025 wintering season. Cold winters and pesticides sprayed in nearby orchards have made survival harder for bees. As a result, between one-third and half of all beekeeping farms now use sugar as bee feed.
Sugar-fed honey sells for around 20,000 won per 2.4-kilogram bottle—less than half the price of natural honey. Meanwhile, imported Vietnamese honey costs about 3,500 won per kilogram, far below the price of Korean natural honey. This price gap has put additional financial pressure on local producers, most of whom barely break even or operate at a loss. To address the problem, North Jeolla plans to spend 15.8 billion won between 2024 and 2028. The funds will go towards planting nectar-producing trees across 2,200 hectares. The move aims to restore natural food sources for bees and improve honey quality. Loose labelling rules have also eroded consumer trust. Many shoppers struggle to distinguish between natural and sugar-fed honey, further complicating the industry’s struggles.
The beekeeping sector in Korea now faces a difficult future. Rising bee deaths, financial losses, and competition from cheaper imports have left many producers struggling. The government’s tree-planting initiative may help, but recovery will depend on stronger regulations and improved conditions for bee survival.
