In 2024, South Korea recorded a 2% increase in the volume of alcoholic drinks packaging, driven by a combination of cultural, economic and retail factors. Alcohol remains deeply ingrained in Korean social and professional life, with beer and soju continuing to be the preferred beverages among consumers. The rebound in domestic alcohol sales in 2024, after two years of decline, was bolstered by heightened expenditure among legal-age consumers and a growing predilection for premium

Luxury goods in South Korea achieved solid 6% retail current value growth in 2025, rebounding from a slight decline the previous year. This resurgence was driven by sustained consumer indulgence and the release of pent-up demand, supported by a steady increase in both inbound and domestic tourism. Luxury brands successfully harnessed the influence of local personalities and offered exclusive product ranges to maintain and enhance their appeal. Moreover, unique retail experiences, such as pop-up

In 2025, fine wines/champagne and spirits in South Korea achieved moderate retail value growth of 4%, reaching KRW889 billion. This increase reflected rising disposable incomes, the ongoing premiumisation trend, and the evolving tastes of consumers, who demonstrated an increased willingness to pay a premium for high-quality, exclusive alcoholic drinks offering unique flavours and superior ingredients. Fine wines maintained higher sales than luxury spirits in 2025, although luxury spirits saw str

In 2025, designer apparel and footwear in South Korea experienced a return to growth, with retail value sales rising by 1% compared to 2024, reaching KRW5.5 trillion. This growth was driven by consumer demand for high-quality men's designer apparel, designer footwear, and designer childrenswear, which offset the marginal decline in women’s designer apparel. The prioritisation of quality over quantity, combined with a sustained shift towards sustainability and environmentally conscious purchasing

In 2025, experiential luxury in South Korea continued to exhibit robust growth, with retail value sales rising by 33% compared to the previous year, reaching KRW3.0 billion. Luxury hotels remained dominant and sustained its dynamic growth trajectory, driven by the persistent preference among affluent consumers for high-quality travel and hospitality experiences. This growth was further bolstered by a resurgence in both leisure and business travel, as corporate events and international exhibition

In 2025, premium and luxury cars in South Korea witnessed significant growth, with a 9% increase in retail value sales, reaching KRW24.8 trillion. A notable shift towards sustainability was observed in this category, driven by a substantial rise in the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles. The expansion of the charging infrastructure and government incentives played a crucial role in encouraging consumers to opt for environmentally friendly mobility solutions. Although EV sales penetration i

Politics has become more polarised and tensions with neighbours remain, but South Korea’s economic freedom is substantial. In the short term, economic momentum could slow, whilst tariffs pose a greater risk to exports, but inflation is under control. High incomes will continue to support the consumer market, but the gender gap is sizeable and health outcomes are worsening. Advanced technologies will be fostered through state and private funding, but cybersecurity is a growing concern.

Total beauty and personal care packaging volumes increased by 5% in South Korea in 2024, supported by a number of industry and consumer trends. South Korea’s strong skin care culture, in which multi-step routines continue to dominate, was a key driver of growth in packaging demand due to its need for a diverse range of packaging formats, including jars, pumps, droppers and single-use sachets. The growth of e-commerce also played a major role, as online sales require protective packaging to ensur

In South Korea, the rising demand for cleaning convenience, both in terms of product performance and packaging functionality, helped home care packaging unit volumes grow by 1% in 2024. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that simplify household tasks, especially with the growing use of appliances like dishwashers and automatic dryers. This has driven demand for high-performance cleaning solutions, such as fast-acting stain removers and multi-surface cleaners. These products are often pa

In 2025, the South Korean airlines market is undergoing structural transition, shaped by global supply chain instability and heightened input costs triggered by Trump-era tariffs. Rising prices of aviation fuel, aircraft parts, and labour have forced airlines to adjust fares and restructure their operations. As a result, consumer travel behaviour has become polarised. Price-sensitive consumers—particularly younger travellers and families—have shifted toward short-haul regional routes, where low

In 2025, South Korea's travel industry is experiencing a fully-fledged rebound across both international and domestic markets. Inbound and outbound flows have surged following the reopening of borders, while domestic travel remains a resilient pillar amid economic uncertainty. A favourable exchange rate, the return of key regional source markets, and the restoration of flight capacity have all contributed to this upward momentum. Despite some shift in outbound demand back to international holida

In 2025, South Korea’s lodging market has experienced healthy growth despite mounting cost pressures from global inflation and Trump-era tariffs. Overall travel costs continue to rise in 2025, particularly for flights and dining. However, rather than abandon planned trips consumers are instead restructuring how they travel and where they stay. This has led to sharper polarisation in consumer behaviour. On one end, cost-conscious travellers are opting for more affordable options such as motels, g

South Korea’s booking market has experienced solid growth in 2025 with this being driven by the recovery of both outbound and domestic travel demand. Despite inflationary and cost of living pressures consumers have continued to travel. Instead, of abandoning their travel plans they have adjusted their behaviours and displayed increased budget consciousness. This has resulted in a clear polarisation in consumer behaviour. Some travellers have focused on price-efficiency, relying on mobile-exclusi

Inbound arrivals to South Korea have increased in 2025, driven by sustained recovery momentum following the pandemic. Japan and Southeast Asian countries have been the key contributors to this growth. For Japanese travellers, a weak yen and the availability of low cost carriers (LCCs) has made short-haul trips to South Korea particularly attractive. Meanwhile, growing enthusiasm for South Korean culture—K-pop, drama, fashion—continues to fuel travel demand from Southeast Asia.

In 2024, single person households in South Korea accounted for 35.4% of all households, driven by the younger generation’s focus on education and career, and an ageing population. Over 2024-2029, the number of single person households is forecast to grow by 15.0%, leading to a smaller average household size of 2.2 persons. The urbanisation rate is predicted to reach 81.3%, with Seoul remaining the economic hub, while some cities, like Ulsan, face a population decline.

Retail value sales of analgesics are expected to rise in current terms in South Korea in 2025. South Korea’s analgesics market has entered a period of intensified competition, largely driven by government-led price cuts. These pricing policies, aimed at reducing the financial burden on consumers, have placed pressure on pharmaceutical companies to maintain profitability while staying competitive. As a result, many brands have been forced to reconsider their strategies, leading to a more dynamic

Retail value sales are set to rise in current terms in South Korea in 2025. Although the allergy eye care segment is experiencing faster growth, its overall market size remains relatively small. As a result, the dominant influence within the eye care category still lies with standard eye care products. One key factor that sets this category apart from other OTC segments is its accessibility through online channels. Eye care products are more easily sold online, and pharmaceutical companies are i

Consumer health retail value sales are expected to rise in current terms in South Korea in 2025. OTC (over-the-counter) products are growing faster than vitamins and dietary supplements. This is largely because OTC items meet consistent, essential health needs that are less likely to be replaced by food or lifestyle alternatives. In contrast, vitamins and dietary supplements often face competition from functional foods and beverages, which can serve similar purposes in more convenient or enjoyab

Retail value sales of herbal/traditional products are set to rise in current terms in South Korea in 2025. Within this, the herbal/traditional tonics category continues to evolve, with hangover relief products playing a central role in its growth. Traditionally dominated by carbonated drinks, the market is now expanding into new formats such as liquid teas, candies, and jellies. This diversification is prompting manufacturers to quickly adjust their strategies to stay competitive. Lotte Chilsung

Retail value sales of cough. cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies are expected to grow in current terms in South Korea in 2025. South Korea’s cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies market is shaped by two key trends: the dominance of combination products and the rapid growth of systemic antihistamines. Consumers increasingly favour combination products for their convenience, as these remedies address multiple symptoms in a single dose. This preference has helped combination products to le

Retail value sales of NRT smoking cessation aids are set to decline in current terms in South Korea in 2025, largely due to the rapid growth of the electronic and liquid cigarette segment. Many smokers are now turning to e-cigarettes as a way to gradually reduce nicotine intake, viewing them as a more flexible and socially acceptable alternative to traditional cessation aids. This shift has reduced demand for conventional nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches, gums and lozenges.

Retail value sales of sports nutrition are expected to grow in current terms in South Korea in 2025. In the sports nutrition category, RTD (ready-to-drink) products continue to gain in popularity, largely due to their convenience. Consumers are increasingly choosing RTD formats over powders or capsules, as they are easier to consume on the go and fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles. This trend is especially strong amongst younger demographics who value quick and practical health solutions.

Retail value sales of wound care are expected to increase in current terms in South Korea in 2025. In the wound care category, traditional products like gauze, tape and other wound care items continue to enjoy strong consumer preference. Their appeal lies in effectiveness at protecting wounds, preventing pain during showers, and reducing the likelihood of scarring - factors that align closely with consumer priorities for both comfort and long-term skin recovery.

Retail value sales of digestive remedies are set to rise in current terms in South Korea in 2025. Digestive enzymes continues to dominate in terms of volumes. However, the category has matured, and growth has slowed significantly. With no major shifts in consumer behaviour or product innovation, the market remains steady and somewhat dull. The same trends have persisted for years, with consumers relying on familiar products for routine digestive support.