The nation’s annual consumption of rice in 2012 was half of what it was three decades ago, the state-run Statistics Korea said.

Compared to 2011, the 2012 consumption also fell about 2.0 percent, from 71.2 kilograms to 69.8 kilograms per capita. The data reveals that in 2012, Koreans consumed about 191 grams of rice, or less than one and a half bowls, per day on average.

“The rice consumption in households has been dropping largely due to increasing demand for alternatives to rice and instant food,” a Statistics Korea official said.

Rice used in the processing of ethanol, one of the core ingredients of popular Korean liquor soju, also accounts for the fall, the state agency said.

By Chung Joo-won (joowonc@heraldcorp.com)