South Korea

During the pandemic, South Korean consumers became more conscious of the need for healthy hydration and the reduction of sugar consumption. This led to dynamic growth for natural bottled water and “water-like” natural RTD tea. Although decline was…

Plant-based dairy experienced a notable increase in sales over the review period, and this is set to continue in 2023. In South Korea, plant-based dairy is primarily dominated by plant-based milk, as plant-based yoghurt and cheese are still in their…

In 2023, drinking milk products in South Korea is expected to continue to thrive in current value terms, building on the positive growth seen in the previous year. However, this growth trajectory varies significantly at the category level, and the…

Retail volume sales of food preparation appliances are declining for a second consecutive year in 2023. This is a trend evident across the category, with juice extractors experiencing the steepest decline. This is being driven by several factors, but…

In 2022, South Korea witnessed growth in both the issuance and usage of pre-paid cards in line with greater mobility outside of the home. Shinhan Card, in particular, played a role in driving this growth, reporting a remarkable increase in the retail…

The landscape of card transactions in South Korea is undergoing a remarkable transformation marked by a gradual decline in cash usage. This paradigm shift is primarily driven by the widespread adoption of mobile financial services, a trend that has…

There have been surges in raw material prices for cooking ingredients and meals in South Korea, primarily attributed to climate change and geopolitical issues, which are further pushing up the average unit price. This has created an upward trajectory…

The rise in single-person households in South Korea is leading to a growing trend towards practical and portioned consumption patterns. Many local consumers seek convenient options that align with their busy lifestyles, and frozen processed fruit and…

Apparel and footwear is posting positive but slower current value and retail volume growth in 2023 compared to the previous year, as many consumers’ needs/wants for new apparel and footwear have been largely fulfilled following the lifting of social…

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…