South Korea

Due to changes in dietary habits during the pandemic, such as the increase in delivery food, demand for certain digestive remedies exploded, while home seclusion during this time, resulting in sedentary lifestyles, supported the surge in demand for…

Consumer demand has been shifting from manufactured goods back towards services. Due to this, value sales of experiential luxury grew by 13% to amount to KRW642 million in 2023, boosted by wealthier individuals resuming their normal activities,…

Demand for standard eye care, the largest category in overall OTC eye care in South Korea, continues to improve in 2023, in line with heightened exposure to digital screens in everyday life, and a return to out-of-home activities, including the…

Value sales of fine wines/champagne and spirits grew by 8% to total KRW657.4 billion in 2023, boosted by consumers’ appetite for experiences and enjoyment after the pandemic. Enjoying a drink with a meal at home or when relaxing remains a key pastime…

The popularity of functional foods for health that have received “individual recognition” from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for specific functionality and safety has been gradually increasing in South Korea. In 2022, these products surpassed…

Retail value sales of luxury goods in South Korea rose by 18% in 2023 in current terms, to stand at KRW50.7 trillion. A combination of consumer indulgence, the release of pent-up demand, and the resumption of key activities, including travelling,…

While overall smoking prevalence among the adult population continues to slowly decline in South Korea, demand for NRT smoking cessation aids is further falling, in line with pre-pandemic trends. NRT smoking cessation aids lost consumers’ interest…

Paediatric vitamins and dietary supplements remains by far the largest value category within paediatric consumer health. Despite a decline in retail volume sales in 2023, heightened health awareness since the pandemic and parents’ approach to…

Personal luxury retail value sales increased by 12% in 2023 to amount to KRW22.0 trillion, supported by growth recorded by leading brand providers, such as Louis Vuitton Korea Ltd and Richemont Korea Ltd. 2023 sales growth was fuelled by individuals…

Value sales of premium and luxury cars rose by 23% to total KRW28.0 trillion in 2023, as more higher-income consumers in South Korea opted to buy a new luxury vehicle despite macroeconomic headwinds. Wealth determines the degree of demand that exists…