South Korea Advanced Material Market Overview
The South Korea Advanced Material Market Size was estimated at 1.96 (USD Billion) in 2023. The South Korea Advanced Material Market Industry is expected to grow from 2.5(USD Billion) in 2024 to 5.2 (USD Billion) by 2035. The South Korea Advanced Material Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 6.885% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035).
Key South Korea Advanced Material Market Trends Highlighted
Various important market factors are driving notable expansion of the South Korea Advanced Material Market. The growing need for lightweight and high-performance materials across sectors like automotive, electronics, and aerospace is one major motivator. Major corporations in these industries based in South Korea are concentrating on innovation and efficiency, hence supporting the creation and use of cutting materials.
Government programs meant to encourage technical innovation and sustainability help to drive development as well by stressing the need for eco-friendly materials and processes. Among the possibilities to be investigated in South Korea's advanced material market are developments in nanotechnology and composites, which might result in improved qualities and novel uses.
The country's robust research and development capacity, supported by cooperation between business and academics, provides a good environment for innovation. This puts South Korea in a position to dominate the manufacturing of sophisticated materials satisfying worldwide sustainability criteria. Of late, especially in the creation of flexible electronics and smart gadgets, there has been a clear movement toward the usage of sophisticated materials in electronic devices.
Responding to customer needs for more efficient and flexible technological solutions, businesses are increasingly concentrating on including sophisticated materials to improve product performance and utility. Moreover, the South Korean government has been advocating for digital transformation across industries, which involves using innovative materials to enhance production processes and product quality. Given the circumstances, the confluence of market forces and developing prospects is creating a dynamic environment for the advanced material market in South Korea.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
South Korea Advanced Material Market Drivers
Increasing Investment in Research and Development
The South Korea Advanced Material Market Industry is seeing a significant increase in investments towards Research and Development (R&D). The South Korean government has allocated approximately 2.5 trillion South Korean Won (around 2.1 billion USD) to boost R&D initiatives in advanced materials by 2025. This funding aims to develop innovative materials that can be utilized in various sectors including electronics, aerospace, and automotive.
Major companies like Samsung Electronics and LG Chem are doubling their R&D budgets, with Samsung investing nearly 100 billion USD in various technological advancements through 2025. This surge in investment is driving innovation in the market, which is expected to result in the commercialization of next-generation materials, thus propelling growth in the South Korea Advanced Material Market.
Rising Demand for Sustainable Materials
In South Korea, there is a notable trend towards the adoption of sustainable materials driven by a growing environmental awareness. The government has set ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030, leading industries to explore eco-friendly alternatives. According to the Ministry of Environment, sales of bio-based plastics are expected to grow by over 20% annually.
Companies such as SK Innovation are investing in bio-material development, leading to a shift in the Advanced Material Market towards more sustainable options. This demand is not only helping South Korea meet its environmental targets but is also expanding the South Korea Advanced Material Market industry as companies innovate to meet customer preferences for sustainability.
Growth in the Electronics Sector
South Korea's electronics market is driving robust growth in the South Korea Advanced Material Market Industry. With global leaders like Samsung and LG being headquartered in the country, demand for advanced materials such as semiconductors and display materials is expanding rapidly. As per the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the electronics sector is expected to grow by approximately 5% annually over the next five years.
This growth is projected to increase the demand for advanced materials used in mobile devices, laptops, and other electronics, providing a lucrative market opportunity. This expanding electronics sector is a key driver for the South Korea Advanced Material Market, encouraging innovation and development in high-performance materials.
South Korea Advanced Material Market Segment Insights
Advanced Material Market Product Type Insights
The South Korea Advanced Material Market, recognized for its burgeoning growth and innovations, is significantly shaped by its product type segmentation, which encompasses Polymers, Metal and Alloys, Glasses, Composites, and Ceramics. The market showcases a dynamic landscape where Polymers are crucial due to their versatile applications spanning various industries, including automotive, electronics, and healthcare, driving demand with their lightweight and durable properties.
Metal and Alloys play a vital role by providing strength and thermal resistance, which are essential in manufacturing high-performance components for sectors such as aerospace and energy. Glasses also hold a notable position, especially in optical applications, thanks to their transparency and strength. Composites are gaining traction due to their ability to combine the best attributes of constituents, offering superior performance in applications requiring both strength and light weight, thereby illuminating their importance in the construction and automotive industries.
Ceramics, renowned for their resistance to heat and wear, find their significance in sectors like electronics and medicine, enhancing performance in high-stress environments. This diversity within the South Korea Advanced Material Market segmentation reflects not only the varied demand across industries but also emphasizes innovation, where each type responds to unique challenges faced by modern technology and manufacturing requirements, contributing to the market's overall expansion.
With sustainability being a critical focus for South Korea, the development of advanced materials with minimal environmental impact is becoming increasingly significant, positioning the South Korea Advanced Material Market as a key player in the global market landscape.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Advanced Material Market Application Insights
The South Korea Advanced Material Market is a robust sector with diverse applications that play a critical role in driving innovation and economic growth. Within this segment, Medical Devices stands out as vital, leveraging advanced materials for enhanced functionality and patient safety, thus addressing the country's emphasis on healthcare innovation. The Automotive sector utilizes advanced materials to improve vehicle efficiency and safety, aligning with South Korea's strategic focus on sustainable transport solutions.
The Aerospace industry benefits from lightweight and durable materials, supporting South Korea's ambitions in space and aviation sectors. In the Electricals and Electronics realms, advanced materials contribute to miniaturization and efficiency, vital for competitive technology development. The Industrial segment embraces various applications that boost manufacturing effectiveness and process optimization, reflecting South Korea's status as a manufacturing powerhouse.
Power applications utilize advanced materials to facilitate the transition to renewable energy and improve energy storage solutions, resonating with South Korea's commitment to sustainability. Other applications encompass a wide range of uses that reflect the diversity and adaptability of advanced materials in meeting contemporary needs and challenges. Collectively, these areas highlight the importance and growth prospects of the South Korea Advanced Material Market, with each playing a significant role in driving domestic and global market trends.
South Korea Advanced Material Market Key Players and Competitive Insights
The South Korea Advanced Material Market is characterized by its dynamic landscape, which encompasses a diverse range of materials and applications crucial for various industries. This market is driven by the increasing demand for advanced materials in sectors such as electronics, automotive, aerospace, and energy. Major players are continuously innovating and investing in research and development to maintain their competitive edge.
Additionally, regional trends, regulatory frameworks, and technology advancements significantly influence market dynamics. The interplay between local and global manufacturers creates a competitive atmosphere, with companies striving to not only meet domestic demands but also expand their reach internationally. In this growing market, the emphasis on sustainability and performance enhancement shapes material solutions, serving as a key to long-term success and market positioning.
Daewoo International has established a strong foothold within the South Korea Advanced Material Market through its considerable expertise and extensive network. The company is renowned for its capabilities in trading and the distribution of raw materials, which has become increasingly relevant in the context of advanced materials. With a focus on cultivating relationships with producers and customers, Daewoo International has successfully navigated the complexities of the local market while maintaining a robust supply chain.
Their strengths lie in their experienced workforce and their proactive approach towards adapting to changing market trends, allowing them to capitalize on emerging biopolymers and high-performance materials. As a result of these strategic moves, Daewoo International has managed to enhance its market presence and solidify its position as a key player committed to innovation in the advanced materials arena.
Korea Zinc holds a significant position in the South Korea Advanced Material Market, with its primary focus on the production of zinc and other nonferrous metals. The company is recognized for its proprietary technology in smelting and processing, which supports the development of high-quality advanced materials used across multiple industries, including electronics and construction. Korea Zinc's strengths lie in its vast production capacity, extensive research and development initiatives, and commitment to sustainability practices.
The company continuously seeks to expand its market presence not only through organic growth but also by pursuing strategic mergers and acquisitions that complement its core operations. By enhancing collaboration and integrating advanced technologies, Korea Zinc effectively meets the growing demands for innovative materials, solidifying its competitive position within the South Korean advanced material landscape.
Key Companies in the South Korea Advanced Material Market Include
- Daewoo International
- Korea Zinc
- Nexen Tire
- LG Chem
- Hankook Tire
- Severstal
- OCI
- Hanwha Q CELLS
- POSCO
- LS Cable and System
- Hyundai Motors
- Korean Air
- Lotte Chemical
- Samsung SDI
- SK Innovation
South Korea Advanced Material Market Industry Developments
The South Korea Advanced Material Market is currently witnessing significant developments, particularly with companies like LG Chem and Samsung SDI pushing the boundaries in battery material technology, which is crucial for electric vehicles. In recent months, Daewoo International has been enhancing its portfolio by exploring sustainable manufacturing processes, while OCI is expanding its solar material production capabilities, signifying a strong pivot towards renewable energy solutions.
Additionally, in October 2023, Korea Zinc announced its collaboration with Hyundai Motors to develop new materials for electric vehicle batteries, aligning with government initiatives to boost green technology. The market has also seen M&A activities, notably Lotte Chemical’s acquisition of a specialty chemical firm in March 2023 to strengthen its position in high-performance materials.
The valuation of enterprises such as POSCO has been positively impacted by rising global demand for advanced materials, particularly in the construction and automotive sectors. This growth trend reflects South Korea's strategic focus on fostering innovation and adherence to environmental sustainability standards, as indicated by recent policy shifts during the government's 2023 Economic and Industrial Strategy announcements. Overall, these dynamics illustrate a robust and rapidly evolving advanced material landscape in South Korea.
South Korea Advanced Material Market Segmentation Insights
Advanced Material Market Product Type Outlook
- Polymers
- Metal & Alloys
- Glasses
- Composites and Ceramics
Advanced Material Market Application Outlook
- Medical Devices
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Electricals & Electronics
- Industrial
- Power and Others
Report Attribute/Metric
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Details
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Market Size 2023
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61.75(USD Million)
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Market Size 2024
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66.75(USD Million)
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Market Size 2035
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378.9(USD Million)
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Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)
|
17.099% (2025 - 2035)
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Report Coverage
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Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
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Base Year
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2024
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Market Forecast Period
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2025 - 2035
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Historical Data
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2019 - 2024
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Market Forecast Units
|
USD Million
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Key Companies Profiled
|
MyAquasource, Source Hydropanel, EcoloBlue, Atmospheric Water Solutions, Air Water Corporation, Aquaer, Skywater, Drinkable Air, Watergen, Zero Mass Water, Watec, HYDROSTEAM, Genaq, Nautilus Water
|
Segments Covered
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Product, Application
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Key Market Opportunities
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Rising water scarcity concerns, Government sustainability initiatives, Increased urbanization demands, Growing interest in eco-friendly solutions, Technological advancements in water generation
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Key Market Dynamics
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rising water scarcity concerns, growing urbanization trends, technological advancements in efficiency, increasing health awareness, supportive government initiatives
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Countries Covered
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South Korea
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The expected market size of the South Korea Advanced Material Market by 2024 is valued at 2.5 USD Billion.
By 2035, the South Korea Advanced Material Market is expected to reach a value of 5.2 USD Billion.
The projected CAGR for the South Korea Advanced Material Market from 2025 to 2035 is 6.885%.
By 2035, the 'Polymers' segment is expected to reach a value of 1.9 USD Billion, making it the highest among product types.
Major players in the market include Daewoo International, Korea Zinc, LG Chem, Hanwha Q CELLS, and Samsung SDI, among others.
The market size for Metal & Alloys is projected to reach 1.5 USD Billion by 2035.
Emerging trends are expected to significantly drive growth in the market due to increased demand for advanced materials across various applications.
The expected market value for Composites and Ceramics in 2035 is projected to be 1.0 USD Billion.
Current global scenarios are reshaping the market dynamics, impacting supply chains and material demand in the Advanced Material sector.
By 2035, the Glasses segment is expected to grow to a market size of 0.9 USD Billion.