South Korea Spectacles Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Spectacles Frames and Spectacle Lenses), By Modality (Prescription and Over-the-counter) By Distribution Channel (Retail Store, Online Store, and Ophthalmic Clinics), and South Korea Spectacles Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

South Korea Spectacles Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Spectacles Market Size Was Estimated at USD 4,150.9 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 4.19% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Spectacles Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 6,521.6 Million By 2035

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the South Korea Spectacles Market is anticipated to reach USD 6,521.6 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 4.19% from 2025 to 2035. The South Korea spectacle market is driven due to the rise in disposable income and consumer expenditure, heightened awareness of eye health and vision correction, burgeoning fashion trends and demand for chic eyewear, growth of online retail and e-commerce platforms, as well as advancements in eyewear technology and product innovation.

Market Overview

South Korea's spectacle market is the industry that engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of vision correction spectacles like prescription glasses, lenses, frames, and non-prescription fashion spectacles. With a high prevalence of myopia, especially among youth, South Korea has established a robust and evolving spectacle market driven by medical needs and fashion. More importantly, the trend of K-fashion and celebrities has made spectacle-wearing go mainstream, translating into a great boost in sales. Major market players adopt strategies such as diversifying their product offerings (e.g., blue light blocking lenses), using e-commerce and offering personalized fitting services. Companies like Gentle Monster have combined fashion and functionality, positioning eyewear as a lifestyle product. It is becoming usual to collaborate with fashion houses and invest in AR/VR for virtual try-ons. The integration of AI for vision testing and personalized frame recommendations also presents future growth avenues. Through innovation grants and subsidies for SMEs, the South Korean government aids domestic eyewear manufacturing. Eye health awareness programs, particularly those targeting schools and older adult communities, provide indirect support for the spectacle market. Furthermore, trade agreements improve South Korean eyewear brands' access to global markets.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the South Korea spectacles market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the South Korea spectacles 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 spectacles market.

Driving Factors

The growth of the eyewear market is mainly increasing in visual damage and heightened consumer awareness regarding eye health. With the aging of global populations, the demand for prescription lenses and glasses to precise vision anomalies is increasing. The growing awareness initiatives about the drawbacks of technology, people to wear spectacles with a reflective coating. These reflective coatings shield the user's eyes from the blue light formed by the screens of computers, laptops, and mobile phones. due to the growing life expectancy, the incidence of refractive ocular disorders among older individuals globally is on the rise. Moreover, the increased availability of spectacles through online and retail channels has contributed to a rise in their adoption among older individuals. In addition, the rising adoption of progressive lenses is projected to generate significant growth prospects for the market.

Restraining factors

In many countries, the absence of insurance coverage for eyewear restricts consumer purchasing power, particularly when it comes to higher-priced options. The growth of the market is further limited by the existence of counterfeit products, which compete with legitimate products on price and have the potential to damage consumer trust and brand reputation. The high costs associated with premium eyewear brands present a barrier for many potential customers, especially in less affluent areas.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea spectacles market share is classified into product type, modality, and distribution channel.

• The spectacle lenses segment dominated the market in 2023 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the product type, the South Korea spectacles market is divided into spectacles frames and spectacle lenses. Among these, the spectacle lenses segment dominated the market in 2023 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The segmental growth is due to the growing occurrence of hyperopia and myopia. It is believed that the increasing use of modern, lightweight glass frames will significantly contribute to growth in the years to come. Due to the extensive range of products available and intense competition in the market for value custom frames, there is a growing acceptance of spectacle frames in both developed and developing nations.

• The prescription  segment accounted for a significant share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the modality, the South Korea spectacles market is divided into prescription and over-the-counter. Among these, the prescription segment accounted for a significant share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period. The segmental growth is due to the increase in the acceptance of prescription sunglasses due to the growing awareness of the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays from the sun.

• The retail store segment accounted for the largest share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the distribution channel, the South Korea spectacles market is divided into retail store, online store, and ophthalmic clinics. Among these, the retail store segment accounted for the largest share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is driven by it is estimated that the greater availability and accessibility of spectacles in retail outlets including independent shops, branded chains, and wholesalers will drive this market segment.

Competitive Analysis:

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

• Carl Zeiss
• Warby Parker
• Safilo Group S.p.A.
• Zenni Optical, Inc.
• Ciba Vision
• Fielmann AG
• Transe Vision Care
• Johnson and Johnson Vision
• Titan Company
• MODO
• HOYA Corporation
• Essilor International
• ZEISS Group
• Others

Recent Developments:

• In January 2025, Transe Vision Care, a well-known provider of eye care services, launched a partnership with Netra Kumbh, a flagship Mahakumbh project, to offer outstanding eye care services to the general public. Transe Vision Care has assembled a team of talented optometrists from respected organizations like LV Prasad Shankar Netralya to deliver customized eyewear to many people as part of this collaboration.

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 spectacles market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Spectacles Market, By Product Type

• Spectacles Frames
• Spectacle Lenses

South Korea Spectacles Market, By Modality

• Prescription
• Over-the-counter

South Korea Spectacles Market, By Distribution Channel

• Retail Store
• Online Store
• Ophthalmic Clinics