South Korea Art and Craft Market Overview, 2029

South Korea Art and Craft Market Overview, 2029

The South Korean art and craft market has grown dramatically throughout time, becoming a thriving industry driven by cultural legacy, innovation, and consumer demand. This market has a centuries-long history, with roots in traditional crafts such as pottery, textiles, and calligraphy that were integral to Korean culture. In 2005, the Korea Craft and Design Foundation was established, and it has played an important role in promoting craft arts and supporting artisans through training and funding. By the 2000s, the rise of digital technology began to have an impact on traditional crafts, resulting in improvements in processes and materials. For example, artists began to incorporate digital design tools into their techniques, resulting in unique, modern interpretations of old crafts. The Seoul International Craft Exhibition, which debuted in 2011, has become a popular venue for local and international craftsmen to showcase their work. In 2016, the government announced the ""K-Craft"" initiative, which aims to promote Korean crafts globally. During the epidemic, many craftsmen and craft enterprises moved to internet channels for sales and promotion, using social media and e-commerce to reach customers directly. Virtual exhibitions and online craft fairs emerged, allowing artisans to reach a larger audience without regard for geography. The Cultural Heritage Protection Act, enacted in 1985, seeks to protect and develop traditional crafts. Additionally, quality assurance criteria have been established, particularly for products labelled as traditional Korean crafts. These standards assist safeguard the integrity of the craft business and promote fair trade practices among craftspeople.

According to the research report, ""South Korea Art and Craft Market Outlook, 2029,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Korean art and craft market is anticipated to add to more than USD 450 Million by 2024–29. Domestic significant actors in South Korea's art and craft sector include prominent organisations such as the Korea Craft and Design Foundation, which provides grants and programs to craftsmen. In addition, individual craftsmen and small-scale workshops contribute significantly to the market's diversity, producing anything from handcrafted pottery to textiles and paper crafts. Notable artisans include Nam Kyu-hoon, recognised for his traditional pottery, and Lee Sang-soo, who specialises in innovative woodwork crafts. Many craftsmen get their materials from local suppliers to ensure quality and sustainability. For example, traditional Hanji paper, used in many crafts, is created by local paper makers who have retained centuries-old technologies. In terms of imports and exports, South Korea's craft business has experienced an increase in interest from international customers, particularly traditional crafts. The country exports pottery, textiles, and handmade paper to the United States, Europe, and Japan. The export of Korean crafts reached several million in 2021, demonstrating the global demand for these products. Collaborations with fashion designers have resulted in the creation of one-of-a-kind apparel pieces featuring traditional fabrics and patterns. Social media platforms have become increasingly important in market promotions, allowing craftsmen to present their work and engage with a larger audience. Initiatives such as ""Korean Craft Week"" and different pop-up shows in urban areas have helped to increase awareness of local artisans and their crafts.

The South Korean art and craft market is broad, with products catering to a variety of customer interests and demands. Painting and Drawing, Paper Crafts, Kids Crafts, Arts and Crafts Tools, and Other are some of the key product categories. Professional and amateur painters both require painting and drawing tools, such as high-quality paints, brushes, and canvases. These goods' appeal has been boosted by the growing trend of art therapy and home-based creativity, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Paper crafts, which include origami, scrapbooking, and card making, are firmly ingrained in Korean culture. Hanji, or traditional Korean paper, is well-known for its texture and durability, making it a favourite craft material. Kids Crafts have also grown in popularity, owing to an increased emphasis on educational and developmental activities for children. Parents are increasingly acquiring craft kits to help their children develop creativity and fine motor skills. Arts and Crafts Tools, which contain a variety of supplies such as scissors, glue, and adhesives, are needed for both casual and serious crafters, making them common in homes and educational institutions. Painting and drawing items are the market leaders in these categories, owing to the general public's increased interest in visual arts and the expanding number of art education programs. Domestic suppliers and distributors play an important part in the South Korean art and craft industry. Da Vinci and Artbox are prominent vendors.

The South Korean art and craft sector serves a diverse range of applications, with a primary concentration on personal and commercial use. Among these two uses, personal use presently dominates the South Korean market. This trend is being driven by an increase in the number of people looking for creative hobbies to help them relax and realise their personal goals. Furthermore, the rise of social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok has motivated a larger audience to participate in arts and crafts by sharing their creations and techniques, increasing community involvement and stimulating demand for personal crafting supplies. Commercial use, on the other hand, relates to how art and craft materials are used in corporations, educational organisations, and professional settings. In commercial settings, arts and crafts are not only important for product design and branding, but also for art education and therapy, with schools and art organisations frequently purchasing supplies for classes and workshops. Domestic vendors and distributors, including Artbox, Mungyeong Craft, and Da Vinci, play important roles in meeting demand for both personal and business purposes. The rise of DIY (do-it-yourself) culture has fuelled personal interest in arts and crafts, resulting in an increase in demand for crafting equipment that allow people to produce personalised gifts, home decor, and artistic expressions. They offer a wide range of items targeted to various skill levels and interests, making them accessible to both enthusiasts and experts.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Art & craft products market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Painting and Drawing
• Paper Crafts
• Kids Crafts
• Arts and Crafts Tools
• Others

By Application
• Personal Use
• Commercial Use

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Art & craft products industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.