South Korea Pulp and Paper Market Overview, 2029

South Korea Pulp and Paper Market Overview, 2029

The South Korean sheet pulp and paper market has a rich history, having evolved dramatically since its inception in the early twentieth century. Initially, traditional paper-making processes were used, but the post-war economic boom accelerated industrialization and modernization, resulting in the construction of large-scale paper factories. The industry experienced significant expansion, particularly in the production of packaging materials and specialty paper. However, the COVID-19 epidemic had a significant influence on the business, disrupting supply networks and shifting purchasing habits. While demand for printing and writing papers fell due to the advent of digital alternatives, the packaging market, particularly for food delivery and e-commerce, grew as more consumers shifted to online shopping. The sector’s innovations have centered on sustainability, with companies investing in eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes. Advanced recycling technologies have been developed to improve paper product recovery, while biodegradable and compostable packaging choices are becoming more popular. Furthermore, the emergence of smart paper solutions that integrate digital technology for tracking and interactive applications constitutes a big step forward. The South Korean sheet pulp and paper market is responding to shifting consumer needs and environmental concerns, positioning itself for long-term growth and sustainability.

According to the research report ""South Korean sheet pulp and paper Market Overview, 2029,” published by Bonafide Research, the South Korean sheet pulp and paper market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 13 Billion by 2029. Mokpo Paper, Hansol Paper, Kangwon Land, and Hyungji Paper are the market leaders in South Korea’s sheet pulp and paper industry. Mokpo Paper is a leading manufacturer with a varied product line that includes packaging materials and specialty papers, whereas Hansol Paper is known for its strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, creating high-quality printing, writing, and packaging papers. Kangwon Land prioritizes ecologically responsible techniques in its manufacturing operations, helping to ensure the industry’s long-term success. Hyungji Paper produces paper products for a variety of applications, including food packaging. Collaborations in the market frequently focus on sustainability activities, with corporations collaborating with research institutes and environmental organizations to develop eco-friendly products and improve recycling capacity. South Korea imports a substantial amount of wood pulp, particularly from the United States, Canada, and Russia, to meet its industrial requirements. In contrast, it exports a variety of paper products, mostly packaging materials and specialty papers, to regional markets in Asia and beyond. The supply chain includes both domestic and international suppliers, maintaining a consistent flow of raw materials and finished goods, which is critical for satisfying the expanding demand in the South Korean pulp and paper market.

The Wrapping & Packaging category is the largest application in the South Korean sheet pulp and paper market, owing to the burgeoning e-commerce industry and rising demand for environmentally friendly packaging solutions. As customer preferences shift toward environmentally friendly products, businesses are concentrating on developing recyclable, biodegradable packaging materials derived from sustainable resources. The growing growth of internet purchasing, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, has heightened the need for effective and safe packaging that protects products throughout transit. In addition, the food and beverage industry is increasingly using paper-based packaging to address consumer demand for environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastic packaging. Hansol Paper, Mokpo Paper, and Kangwon Land are the leading domestic enterprises in this area. Hansol Paper stands out as a prominent player, noted for its dedication to innovation and sustainability in packaging solutions, and provides a diverse range of paper products adapted to various industries. The company’s emphasis on ecologically friendly procedures helps them meet rising consumer demand for sustainable packaging. Mokpo Paper contributes significantly by creating high-quality wrapping and packaging materials. Meanwhile, Kangwon Land focuses on environmentally friendly production techniques and contributes to the market with novel packaging solutions.

The Food and Beverages segment dominates the South Korean sheet pulp and paper market, owing to the food industry’s rapid growth and rising consumer demand for sustainable packaging. As health-conscious consumers seek environmentally friendly packaging options, the demand for paper-based materials has increased, supplanting old plastic alternatives. This tendency is hastened by the growth of the e-commerce sector, notably in food delivery services, which necessitate effective and secure packaging to preserve product quality throughout transportation. The South Korean government’s emphasis on sustainability and trash reduction has led businesses to innovate and develop recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials that correspond with consumer desires. Hansol Paper, Mokpo Paper, and Daio Paper Corporation are among the leading domestic players in this area. Hansol Paper is well-known for its comprehensive variety of high-quality packaging solutions designed specifically for the food and beverage industry, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. To improve its product offerings, the company actively invests in environmentally friendly processes and cutting-edge technology. Mokpo Paper makes a substantial contribution to the food packaging industry by specializing in a variety of paper products designed for food preservation and safety. Daio Paper Corporation is also a key player in delivering sustainable packaging solutions to the food and beverage industry, with a focus on quality and environmental responsibility. These enterprises shape the South Korean pulp and paper market by responding to consumers’ evolving desires for sustainable food packaging.


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

Aspects covered in this report
• Pulp & Paper 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 Category
• Wrapping & Packaging
• Printing & Writing
• Sanitary
• News Print
• Others

By End User
• Food and Beverages
• Personal Care and Cosmetics
• Healthcare
• Consumer Goods
• Education and Stationary
• Others

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.

The approach of the report:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Pulp & Paper 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.