South Korea Activated Carbon Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Powdered, Granular, and Others), By Raw Material (Coal, Coconut, Wood, Peat, and Others), and South Korea Activated Carbon Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

South Korea Activated Carbon Market Size Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Activated Carbon Market Size was estimated at USD 204.2 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 10.52% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Activated Carbon Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 613.6 Million by 2035

According to a Research Report Published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the South Korea Activated Carbon Market Size is anticipated to reach USD 613.6 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 10.52% from 2025 to 2035. The market driven by stricter environmental laws, increased demand for air and water purification, and growing use in the electronics, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries. Market expansion is further supported by the adoption of eco-friendly filtration technologies and a growing emphasis on sustainability.

Market Overview

The South Korea activated carbon market refers to the domestic industry engaged in the manufacture, distribution, and use of activated carbon a porous substance used for filtration and purification is referred to as the South Korean activated carbon market. Demand from industries including electronics, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing, water treatment, and air purification is driving this market. Additionally, the South Korean government has established stringent regulations to control air pollution and guarantee safe drinking water. As a result, there is a high demand for activated carbon in a variety of applications, including industrial processes, water treatment, and air purification. Further driving the market's growth are South Korea's expanding electronics and automotive sectors, which are investigating the use of activated carbon in filtration systems. Opportunities for developing novel and creative uses of activated carbon exist, especially in developing industries like pharmaceuticals and renewable energy. The demand for producing activated carbon from sustainable sources is increasing as businesses place a greater emphasis on sustainability, which is advantageous from a marketing and environmental standpoint.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the South Korea activated carbon market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyses trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the South Korea activated carbon market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the South Korea activated carbon market.

Driving Factors

The growth of the South Korean activated carbon market industry is largely driven by the diversification and expansion of the country's end-use industries. Activated carbon is being used more and more in important industries like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and the automotive sector for a variety of purposes, such as drug purification, taste and odor elimination, and emission control systems. Because activated carbon effectively removes harmful substances, the Korea Food Drug Administration has observed an increasing trend in its use for food safety. Activated carbon has a wide range of applications in the automotive industry, and as South Korea moves toward electric vehicles, there is an increasing demand for it in battery and air filtration systems. The increasing application of activated carbon in various industries suggests that the South Korean market has room to grow rapidly.

Restraining Factors

The market for activated carbon in South Korea is constrained by high production costs, a lack of sustainable raw materials, and competition from alternative filtration technologies. Manufacturers also face difficulties with regulatory compliance and volatile coal prices, which affect their long-term viability and profitability.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea activated carbon market share is classified into product type and raw material.

• The powdered segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea activated carbon market is segmented by product type into powdered, granular, and others. Among these, the powdered segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The market has shown a strong preference for powdered activated carbon, which is mostly used in air purification and water treatment applications. This is indicative of South Korea's rising environmental and health standards. The pharmaceutical and food processing industries, which also drive demand due to strict quality requirements, depend heavily on this type of activated carbon because of its high adsorption capacity and versatility.

• The coal segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea activated carbon market is segmented by raw material into coal, coconut, wood, peat, and others. Among these, the coal segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Activated carbon derived from coal continues to be the most popular because of its high adsorption capacity and extensive use in industrial processes.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea activated carbon market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Shinkwang Chem Ind Co., Ltd.
• Handokcarbon
• Biocarbon Tech Co., Ltd
• Arah Carbon Korea Co., Ltd
• CY Autotech Co., Ltd
• GEQ Solution Co., Ltd
• Others

Recent Developments:

• In March 2024, South Korea announced plans to launch Asia’s first retail carbon-linked investment product, which included exchange-traded notes (ETNs) tied to carbon allowances. The initiative aimed to open its emissions trading system to retail investors and enhance market liquidity, supporting broader participation in climate-focused financial instruments.

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at South Korea, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the South Korea Activated Carbon Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Activated Carbon Market, By Product Type

• Powdered
• Granular
• Others

South Korea Activated Carbon Market, By Raw Material

• Coal
• Coconut
• Wood
• Peat
• Others