South Korea Plastics Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, and Others), By Application (Injection Molding, Blow Molding, Roto Molding, Compression Molding, Casting, Thermoforming, Extrusion, Calendering, and Others), and South Korea Plastics Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

South Korea Plastics Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Plastics Market Size was estimated at USD 15,260.4 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 5.35% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Plastics Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 27,066.8 Million by 2035

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the South Korea Plastics Market is anticipated to reach USD 27,066.8 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.35% from 2025 to 2035. The market is being driven by the continuous improvements in plastic manufacturing technologies, which result in the creation of new and enhanced plastic products that appeal to a wider range of industries.

Market Overview

The South Korea plastics market refers to the industry that produces, processes, and uses synthetic polymers commonly referred to as plastics across numerous industries is referred to as the South Korean plastics market. Additionally, the development of high-performance polymers with improved properties as a result of technological advancements in plastic manufacturing processes has expanded the range of applications in industries like electronics, healthcare, and construction. The market for plastics has also been influenced by initiatives and increased awareness of sustainable practices, with a move toward recyclable and biodegradable plastics gaining traction. South Korean governments and regulatory agencies are enforcing strict laws to reduce the use of single-use plastics, which is encouraging industry innovation. In conclusion, the regional plastics market is a dynamic and resilient industry with bright growth prospects due to a combination of factors such as changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a push towards sustainability.

Report Coverage

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

Driving Factors

South Korea's plastics market is expanding rapidly, driven mainly by rising demand from a variety of industries. The growing packaging industry, which mainly uses plastics because of their affordability and adaptability, is one important driver. Furthermore, the packaging industry's need for plastics has increased due to consumers' growing preference for lightweight and convenient packaging. Additionally, as manufacturers increasingly use strong, lightweight plastics in vehicle components to improve fuel economy and lower overall vehicle weight, the automotive industry is making a substantial contribution to the market's growth.

Restraining Factors

Traditional plastic producers are under pressure as a result of tighter government regulations and rising consumer demand for sustainable alternatives brought on by growing worries about plastic waste and pollution.

Market Segmentation

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

• 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 plastics market is segmented by type into polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, 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. Given its affordability, durability, and adaptability, it is widely used in consumer goods, construction, and packaging, which contributes to its dominance. In particular, polyethylene is preferred for use in plastic bottles, bags, films, and containers. The increase in e-commerce packaging as well as initiatives to create recyclable and bio-based PE alternatives are driving up demand for it.

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

The South Korea plastics market is segmented by application into injection molding, blow molding, roto molding, compression molding, casting, thermoforming, extrusion, calendering, and others. Among these, the injection molding segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Injection molding is a popular technique for mass production because it can be used for a variety of purposes, including consumer goods, healthcare, packaging, and construction.

Competitive Analysis:

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

• Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
• BASF SE
• LG Chem, Ltd.
• SK ie technology Co., Ltd.
• LOTTE Chemical Corporation
• Others

Recent Developments:

• In June 2025, Plastic pollution became a major issue. As the world observed World Environment Day 2025, the Republic of Korea hosted international celebrations with the theme BeatPlasticPollution, drawing attention to the fight to eradicate plastic pollution

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 Plastics Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Plastics Market, By Type

• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene
• Polyvinyl Chloride
• Others

South Korea Plastics Market, Application

• Injection Molding
• Blow Molding
• Roto Molding
• Compression Molding
• Casting
• Thermoforming
• Extrusion
• Calendering
• Others