When it comes to the competitive world of Korean ice cream, which brands truly reign supreme? Moving beyond seasonal trends, we’re diving deep into the definitive numbers. Based on the 2024 annual retail sales data from Nielsen Korea, here is a clear, ranked countdown of the top 10 ice cream brands that dominate the market.
1. World Cone (월드콘)
- Manufacturer: Lotte Wellfood
- 2024 Revenue: ₩79.09 billion
- Securing the crown by the narrowest of margins, World Cone is the undisputed king of cone-style ice cream in Korea. For decades, its classic combination of vanilla ice cream, a crunchy cone, a nutty topping, and a solid chocolate tip has made it the nation’s go-to choice.
2. Bungeo Ssamanko (붕어싸만코)
- Manufacturer: Binggrae
- 2024 Revenue: ₩79.05 billion
- Missing the top spot by a hair, this uniquely Korean treat is a powerhouse. Shaped like a fish, the wafer is filled with vanilla ice cream and a layer of sweet red bean paste. Its blend of familiar, traditional flavors gives it a massive appeal across all generations.
3. Häagen-Dazs (하겐다즈)
- Manufacturer: Häagen-Dazs
- 2024 Revenue: ₩68.5 billion
- As the only international brand in the top tier, Häagen-Dazs stands as a testament to the strength of the premium market. Despite its high price point, Korean consumers have proven they will gladly pay for the rich flavors and high-quality ingredients the brand is famous for.
4. Melona (메로나)
- Manufacturer: Binggrae
- 2024 Revenue: ₩59.6 billion
- An icon both at home and abroad, Melona is a true global ambassador for K-ice cream. Its simple, refreshing, and distinct melon flavor in a classic bar shape has made it an enduring favorite and one of Binggrae’s strongest performers.
5. Bravo Cone (부라보콘)
- Manufacturer: Haetae Ice Cream
- 2024 Revenue: ₩56.8 billion
- The original Korean ice cream cone and World Cone’s historic rival, Bravo Cone holds its ground with the power of nostalgia. Its famous jingle is known by millions, and it remains a cherished classic, especially among those who grew up with it.
6. Together (투게더)
- Manufacturer: Binggrae
- 2024 Revenue: ₩55.7 billion
- This is the quintessential family-sized tub of vanilla ice cream in Korea. The brand name itself evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, making it the default choice for sharing at home and a cornerstone of Binggrae’s market dominance.
7. Ppangppare (빵빠레)
- Manufacturer: Lotte Wellfood
- 2024 Revenue: ₩48.1 billion
- Perfectly mimicking the taste and texture of soft-serve ice cream in a convenient cup, Ppangppare has been a consistent seller for years. Its distinct spiral shape and sweet, milky flavor make it a beloved classic.
8. Googoo (구구)
- Manufacturer: Lotte Wellfood
- 2024 Revenue: ₩41.0 billion
- Known for its complex combination of marshmallow, caramel, nuts, and chocolate ice cream, the Googoo brand (which includes cone and bar versions) has a thick base of loyal fans who crave its rich, multi-layered taste.
9. Bibibic (비비빅)
- Manufacturer: Binggrae
- 2024 Revenue: ₩38.6 billion
- A champion of traditional Korean taste, Bibibic is a simple bar packed with whole red beans. While sometimes called a “grandma’s taste” ice cream, its consistent top 10 ranking proves a lasting and widespread love for classic, less-sugary flavors.
10. Lalasweet (라라스윗)
- Manufacturer: Lalasweet
- 2024 Revenue: ₩36.9 billion
- The most modern entry on the list, Lalasweet’s arrival in the top 10 is a sign of the times. As a brand focused on low-calorie, low-sugar “healthy pleasure” ice cream, its success highlights a major shift in consumer trends toward healthier dessert options.
This data-driven countdown shows that while the Korean ice cream market is a battleground between giants Lotte and Binggrae, and though it’s dominated by nostalgic brands, there is a clear and growing space for premium (Häagen-Dazs) and healthy (Lalasweet) alternatives.
(Source: FIS Food Industry Statistics Information, based on Nielsen Korea data)