South Korea Ethylene Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Feedstock (Naphtha, Ethane, Propane, Butane, and Others), By Application (Polyethylene, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, Ethylene Oxide, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene Dichloride, Vinyl Acetate, and Others), and South Korea Ethylene Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

South Korea Ethylene Market Size Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Ethylene Market Size was estimated at USD 6.94 Billion in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 6.59% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Ethylene Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 14.01 Billion by 2035

According to a Research Report Published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the South Korea Ethylene Market Size is anticipated to reach USD 14.01 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.59% from 2025 to 2035. Driven by the growing need in the electronics, automotive, and packaging sectors for petrochemical derivatives like polyethylene and ethylene oxide. Long-term market expansion is also supported by growing export prospects, while government investments in green chemistry and sustainable production technologies are improving domestic capacity and environmental compliance.

Market Overview

The South Korea ethylene market encompasses the production, use, and trade of ethylene a vital chemical building block are all included in the South Korean ethylene market. The nation's thriving petrochemical sector and its position as a leading exporter of goods derived from ethylene, such as polyethylene, are the main drivers of this dynamic market. Strong domestic demand, especially from the construction and packaging industries, and substantial export activity define the market. Additionally, Opportunities are opening up in the development of advanced recycling technologies and bio-based ethylene, which complement South Korea's dedication to sustainability and lowering its dependency on fossil fuels. The government's investment in R&D and support for green technology initiatives provide an environment that is conducive to innovation in the ethylene industry. Current patterns show a move toward the incorporation of digital technologies into manufacturing procedures, which allow for increased productivity through data analytics and automation.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the South Korea ethylene 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 ethylene 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 ethylene market.

Driving Factors

The South Korean ethylene market industry is expanding due to new uses for ethylene derivatives. The world-leading South Korean electronics industry is using more and more ethylene-derived materials, like polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate, to make parts for smartphones and other gadgets. According to reports, the electronics industry is predicted to expand by about 4% a year, which will raise demand for materials based on ethylene. The demand for ethylene is being further increased by large companies like samsung electronics making significant investments in premium materials. This pattern emphasizes the continuous innovation in ethylene derivative applications, which is critical to the expansion of the South Korean ethylene market.

Restraining Factors

Rising competition from China's growing domestic capacity, strict environmental regulations, and fluctuating naphtha prices are all factors limiting South Korea's ethylene market. Additionally, operational flexibility and profitability are challenged by the need to adopt sustainable technologies and the high energy consumption of production.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea ethylene market share is classified into feedstock and application.

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

The South Korea ethylene market is segmented by feedstock into naphtha, ethane, propane, butane, and others. Among these, the naphtha segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Naphtha usually has a significant role because it is widely available and reasonably priced, making it a major feedstock for the production of ethylene in many nations. in that South Korea has access to global supply chains and sophisticated refining capabilities, which allow manufacturers to maximize production efficiencies, this segment has demonstrated dominance in the region.

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

The South Korea ethylene market is segmented by application into polyethylene, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, ethylene oxide, ethylbenzene, ethylene dichloride, vinyl acetate, and others. Among these, the polyethylene segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Driven by its many uses in the construction, automotive, and packaging sectors, where cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and durability are essential. Product performance is being improved by the growing demand for recyclable and sustainable materials as well as developments in polymer processing technologies. Additionally, more polyethylene-based films, containers, and molded goods are being used as a result of the growth of the consumer goods and e-commerce industries.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea ethylene 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 Corporation
• Hanwha TotalEnergies Petrochemical
• Yeochun NCC Co., Ltd.
• Hyundai Chemical Co., Ltd.
• S-Oil Corporation
• Others

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 Ethylene Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Ethylene Market, By Feedstock

• Naphtha
• Ethane
• Propane
• Butane
• Others

South Korea Ethylene Market, By Application

• Polyethylene
• HDPE
• LDPE
• LLDPE
• Ethylene Oxide
• Ethylbenzene
• Ethylene Dichloride
• Vinyl Acetate
• Others