South Korea Automotive Plastics Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Polypropylene, Polyurethane, PVC, and Others), By Application (Interior, Exterior, Under the hood, Powertrain, and Others), and South Korea Automotive Plastics Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

South Korea Automotive Plastics Market Size Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Automotive Plastics Market Size was estimated at USD 1.6 Billion in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 6.47% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Automotive Plastics Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 3.19 Billion by 2035

According to a Research Report Published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the South Korea Automotive Plastics Market Size is anticipated to reach USD 3.19 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.47% from 2025 to 2035. The growth driven by the growing production of electric vehicles (EVs), which necessitates strong, lightweight materials for increased energy efficiency. Furthermore, advancements in bio-based and recycled polymers as well as government incentives for sustainable mobility are speeding up adoption in powertrain, exterior, and interior applications.

Market Overview

The South Korea automotive plastics market refers to the domestic industry centered on the creation, use, and innovation of plastic materials used in vehicle manufacturing is known as the South Korean automotive plastics market. Additionally, advanced polymer technology has made it possible to produce high-performance plastics that can withstand the demanding conditions of automotive applications, which makes them a popular option for components like dashboards, bumpers, and interior trims. There are numerous opportunities to look into sustainable plastic substitutes as the South Korean auto industry faces pressure to switch to electric and hybrid vehicles. The government is actively promoting green technology initiatives, such as encouraging businesses to research recycled or biodegradable materials for use in automobiles. Moreover, market participants have a great opportunity to invest in and develop sustainable plastic solutions as a result of this shift, which is in line with the country's goal of reducing carbon emissions and creating an environmentally friendly vehicle environment. According to recent trends, automakers and plastic suppliers are collaborating more to create and adjust to evolving safety standards and customer preferences.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the South Korea automotive plastics 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 automotive plastics 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 automotive plastics market.

Driving Factors

The growth of EVs, the need for lightweight materials, and government sustainability initiatives are the main drivers of the automotive plastics market in South Korea. Plastics are given priority by automakers for their ability to manage heat, reduce emissions, and provide design flexibility. Growth in the market is further accelerated by advancements in recycled and bio-based polymers as well as growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly automobiles. Long-term development is also supported by circular economy objectives and strategic partnerships.

Restraining Factors

The market for automotive plastics in South Korea is constrained by the high cost of recycling, the limited scalability of bio-based substitutes, and the volatility of raw material prices. Consistent production is also hampered by strict environmental regulations and supply chain interruptions, particularly in light of the growing demand for lightweight and sustainable materials in electric vehicles.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea automotive plastics market share is classified into type and application.

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

The South Korea automotive plastics market is segmented by type into polypropylene, polyurethane, PVC, and others. Among these, the polypropylene segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The exceptional chemical and fatigue resistance of polypropylene (PP) makes it a superior material for automotive parts like bumpers and interior panels.

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

The South Korea automotive plastics market is segmented by application into interior, exterior, under the hood, powertrain, and others. Among these, the interior segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. With features like dashboard components, seating, and trims that help with weight reduction and design flexibility, the interior segment is essential to improving the comfort and appearance of a vehicle.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea automotive plastics 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

• LG Chem
• Lotte Chemical
• SK Chemicals
• Kumho Petrochemical
• BASF Korea
• Hanwha Solutions
• Others

Recent Developments:

• In April 2025, Hyundai-Kia in South Korea and BASF unveiled the Kia EV3 Study Car, which featured eight sustainable plastic materials designed to enhance performance and reduce carbon emissions. The collaboration highlighted BASF’s innovative plastics solutions, which were applied throughout the vehicle.

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 Automotive Plastics Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Automotive Plastics Market, By Type

• Polypropylene
• Polyurethane
• PVC
• Others

South Korea Automotive Plastics Market, By Application

• Interior
• Exterior
• Under the hood
• Powertrain
• Others