South Korea Water Purifier Market Assessment, By Technology [Reverse Osmosis, Ultraviolet, Ultrafilters, Hybrid, Others], By Type [Point of Use, Point of Entry], By Application [Residential, Commercial and Industrial], By Distribution Channel [Direct Sale

South Korea Water Purifier Market Assessment, By Technology [Reverse Osmosis, Ultraviolet, Ultrafilters, Hybrid, Others], By Type [Point of Use, Point of Entry], By Application [Residential, Commercial and Industrial], By Distribution Channel [Direct Sales, Retail Stores, Online, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

South Korea water purifier market was valued at USD 1.69 billion in 2023, expected to reach USD 4.58 billion in 2031, with a CAGR of 13.25% for the forecast period between 2024 and 2031. The market is evolving with several market players aiming to hold significant market shares. The growth is attributed to growing awareness among people about environmental concerns and good health needs with respect to consumption. The need for modernized methods of purifying water has gone up with an emphasis on access to clean drinking water in most urban areas. Market leaders provide a variety of products, which range from basic filters to high-end purifiers that have technologies such as reverse osmosis (RO), ultraviolet (UV) purification, or multi-stage filtration systems.

The development of technology and innovation is the key factor for market expansion where smart and IoT-enabled purifiers are becoming popular due to their offered convenience and efficiency. South Korea’s market favors small and easy to handle systems that secure pure water. Consequently, severe rules and requirements of the government concerning water quality tend to boost the implementation of most advanced systems for water purification. In July 2023, Arisu, the safe-to-drink tap water brand of Seoul, was inspected by the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG), testing a total of 175 items in raw water and purified water. The government planned to focus on water odor and eliminate it to enhance the taste of water. Such steps by the government necessitate the need for water purifiers in the country.

Also, the South Korea water purifier market is on the edge of continual growth due to innovation, regulation, and altering consumer choices. Moreover, the rise in the incomes of people allows them to consider healthy living. E-commerce platforms and retail outlets contribute to increased market coverage by providing greater accessibility.

Innovation Fuels the Demand for Water Purifiers

Innovation is one of the main causes of demand in the South Korea water purifier market. With the help of market innovation, it has been possible to significantly bring advanced purification techniques to the market in terms of performance, convenience, and visual appeal. Purification technologies such as reverse osmosis (RO), ultraviolet (UV) sterilization, and others help get rid of pollutants in water and make it safe for drinking. In December 2023, Samyang Corporation launched two new water purification products for industrial use under its new brand name, TRILITE. The products are TRILITE Electrodeionizer (EDI), and TRILITE RO. The company has established a range of core water treatment materials to produce ultrapure water with the launch of EDI and RO membrane.

Tech-savvy customers seeks IoT-enabled smart purifiers that would monitor water usage, alert whenever repair is necessary, and make controlling possible through smartphone applications. The convenience at the disposal of the user and an assurance of good results makes people prefer water purifier at their homes.

Furthermore, people living in cities buy small and simple designs, that require lesser space and blend with modern interiors. Additionally, there is a rising demand for eco-friendly technologies that prevent wastage of water and energy loss, responding to the increasing public preference for sustainable lifestyle.

Rising Demand for Clean and Safe Water Drives the Market Growth

A noticeable increase in consumer health awareness has resulted in a lot more emphasis on the quality of drinking water. The adoption rate for water purification systems has consequently risen. Water purifiers have been turned into must-have home appliances by rising concerns for various contaminants such as heavy metals, bacteria, or industrial chemicals in tap water.

Manufacturers are responding to this demand by launching products with Reverse Osmosis (RO), Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization, and multi-stage filtration systems which offer safe drinking water solutions. Moreover, people who shifted from rural to urban areas, have moved from manual to modern systems, thus choosing health and hygiene over existing issues and preferring water purifiers for accessing clean consumable water.

Moreover, evolution of e-commerce, together with expansion into new regions, increases the availability of water purifiers throughout different seasons. Hence, the market remains strong in South Korea as shown by the rising demand from local and international customers. In March 2023, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. launched its latest water purifier, Bespoke, in South Korea. The product is convenient for single-person utilization or small households. The materials used in manufacturing are NSF certified and eliminate more than 1,000 toxic elements, including environmental hormones such as Nonylphenol and bisphenol A.

Ultraviolet Technology to Gain Momentum in the Forecast Period

Due to its effectiveness in providing safe and clean water for drinking, ultraviolet (UV) technology is gaining popularity in the South Korean water purifier market. Using ultraviolet light, UV purification eliminates hazardous microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, without causing any harm to the water.

The growing awareness of waterborne diseases and the need for reliable purification solutions have helped to popularize the usage of UV technology since it has been quite relevant. The maintenance requirement of UV purifiers is low and they do not require much maintenance, thereby providing uniform performance most of the time. Moreover, owing to the increasing desire for ecological home devices, it is necessary to note that UV systems are power-saving and friendly to the ecosystem.

Different models of water purifiers now incorporate the use of UV technology in their systems. These can be either stand-alone purifiers based on UV technique or combined ones in form of systems where UV serves as the last stage of water treatment. Consumer trust in the safety of what they drink may therefore be enhanced. In May 2024, SK Magic Co., Ltd. launched a 2024 model of One Cork Ice Water Purifier that can instantaneously discharge ice and water with one touch. The model offers an automatic UV sterilization feature to provide fresh and clean water. The product is available in four pastel colors and provides direct-water supply as the user presses the button with no tank storage.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

Water purifiers will evolve due to advanced technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), being integrated in market of South Korea. More smart purifiers will be produced, allowing for mobile apps-based inspection at any time or place and servicing notifications while enhancing users’ experience with smart devices.

Manufacturers will develop purifiers that produce low-waste and are energy-efficient, which will be critical focal point for environmental sustainability. Market preference for greener options will be driven by innovations in eco-friendly materials and processes that are in line with the consumer demand for sustainable living solutions.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The water purifier market in South Korea is highly competitive with various manufacturers pushing for innovation by providing different types of products and using sophisticated technology. Additionally, the bigger firms are selling many kinds of water purifiers that have filtration techniques, including reverse osmosis (RO), ultraviolet (UV) sterilization, and others.

Using strong brand presence and technological expertise to integrate high efficiency filtration and sleek, modern designs, these companies produce products that appeal to diverse consumer preferences using strong research and development. This can be further enhanced by incorporating smart and IoT-enabled aspects for real-time monitoring and remote control which particularly attract individuals who seek updated technology in their products. For instance, in May 2024, Coway Co., Ltd. launched 2024 Coway Icon Ice Water Purifier. The latest launch is an upgraded version of the 2022 launch Icon Ice Water Purifier. The product provides convenience by giving temperature control features and effluent capacity control as preferred by the user, using the IoCare app.

The market outlook is optimistic, with investors expecting further improvements in functionality and efficacy due to sustained spending on R&D. The companies are therefore in good position to capitalize on the growing needs for advanced water purification systems as people become more conscious of the type and importance of water quality for their general wellbeing.