Seoul, July 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports of agricultural and sideline products reached $6.21 billion in the first half of the year, up 14.6% year-on-year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affaires, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Friday. Exports of agricultural products and aquatic products reached 4.5 billion dollars and 1.71 billion dollars respectively, both hitting record highs for the same period.  
   
Despite unfavorable external conditions such as the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war and global supply chain bottlenecks, The popularity of Korean food products remains strong overseas.  By category, instant noodles export reached 383.7 million dollars, biscuits 314.6 million dollars, beverages 277.9 million dollars, and processed rice 90.4 million dollars.  
   
The wide variety (and delicious) of Korean instant noodles is popular in countries such as Vietnam, a big instant noodle consumer, and their availability in large supermarkets, convenience stores and online shopping malls is also a positive factor for exports.  Southeast Asian countries increase outdoor activities, making Korean aloe drink fruit honey, tea and other health drinks popular.  Thanks to the interest in Korean food culture, the demand for Korean instant rice, stir-fried rice cake, and Makkoli has increased in the U.S. and other countries.  
   
Among aquatic products, laver exports amounted to 375.9 million dollars and abalone 29 million dollars.  Laver is expected to export more than $700 million a year, the largest single aquatic product.  Abalone's widely recognized health benefits have helped boost exports to Japan and Vietnam.