Soybean use for human consumption remains relatively stable, but consumption of soybean oil is expanding as consumption of other fats and oils increases Table 12. E. Corn Corn is one of major Korean feed grain, and widely used in both processing and feed sectors. Corn is cultivated in the eastern part of Korea, especially in Kangwon Province. Area under corn cultivation is expected to remain stable in the long term because farmers in the corn-planted area have few cropping alternatives. Domestic corn production met only 1-2 percent of total domestic use, with its import accounting for 97 percent of the total use in 1997.
Corn is one of several crops supported directly by government purchases.
Corn competes with many other feedgrains, especially wheat for feed use. Feed manufacturers have to buy domestic corn from the NACF at a price higher than its import price. In general, feed millers prefer wheat for feed use to corn regarding feedstuffs for cattle and swine due to its higher protein ingredients. Corn use in the processing sector continues to grow rapidly, but corn use in the feed sector is highly dependent on its price relative to prices of other feedgrains.