Market Overview
South Korea’s bottled water market, projected to reach USD 2.2 billion in 2026, is expected to expand at a modest compound annual growth rate of 2.61% through 2031. Following two consecutive years of mild contraction, the market has entered a phase of relative stabilisation. Although aggregate volumes have edged down from recent peaks, they remain structurally above earlier levels, underscoring the category’s underlying resilience. Growth is supported by the continued rise in single- and two-person households and the deepening integration of online purchasing into daily consumption routines.
E-commerce has emerged as the dominant procurement channel, offering convenience and cost efficiency for routine hydration purchases. Consumers increasingly rely on subscription models and bulk delivery formats, reinforcing price transparency and repeat buying behaviour. At the same time, extreme weather patterns and sustained health awareness continue to strengthen bottled water’s role as a zero-sugar substitute within the broader beverage landscape. These structural drivers help offset demographic headwinds, including population decline and high market penetration, which are likely to constrain absolute volume expansion over the medium term.
From a product perspective, flavoured and sparkling variants represent key pockets of momentum, catering to demand for low-calorie refreshment and sensory differentiation. Functional water is gradually broadening its footprint in line with health upgrading trends, contributing to incremental premiumisation and higher value-added positioning. However, structural saturation limits the scope for rapid scale expansion, shifting competitive focus toward mix optimisation and brand differentiation rather than aggressive volume growth.
Sustainability considerations have moved to the forefront of industry strategy. Government-backed initiatives promoting label-free packaging and recyclable design are accelerating the transition toward environmentally aligned production standards. Leading players are leveraging established brand equity and authorised distribution networks to defend share, while enhancing transparency and digital engagement to reinforce consumer trust. Private-label offerings continue to expand, benefiting from price competitiveness and high repurchase frequency. Convenience stores remain critical for immediate consumption, and vending machines are gradually gaining traction from a low base. Overall, the market is transitioning from scale-driven expansion to a phase defined by structural upgrading and value competition, with health positioning, premiumisation and environmental transformation shaping its medium-term trajectory.
This report presents a thorough analysis and future outlook for the South Korea bottled water market, covering historical data and forward-looking projections for the period from 2021 to 2031. It investigates market size, growth patterns, and segmented insights, revealing the trends transforming the industry. By dissecting critical aspects such as product type, packaging type and distribution channel, the report provides a comprehensive toolkit for understanding and capitalizing on market opportunities.
What’s Inside the Report
The report delivers detailed market sizing from 2021 to 2031, with metrics reported in (Liters/KRW/USD). It includes historical data, forecasts through 2031, and corresponding CAGR metrics. The dataset covers segmentation by product type, packaging type and distribution channel. Through comparative growth analysis, the report identifies outperforming segments and provides a quantitative foundation for prioritizing strategic initiatives.
Also included in the report is an analysis of the market’s underlying trends and drivers. Informed by executive-level interviews and verified macro-level data, this section explores the fundamental shifts influencing demand and competition. It outlines how changes in innovation cycles, and consumer expectations have affected recent developments, while pointing to segments with the greatest forward momentum and associated risks.
A competitive benchmarking section tracks market share movements and brand positioning among key players from 2021 onward. The report maps consolidation trends, share shifts, and differentiation strategies, equipping stakeholders with actionable insights for portfolio optimization and long-term planning.
Market Segmentation
The segmentation of the South Korea bottled water market is outlined below:
Product type – e.g., flavored water, functional water, sparkling water (sparkling natural mineral water, sparkling spring water), still water (still natural mineral water, still purified water, still spring water)
Packaging type – e.g., glass bottles, metal cans and bottles, PET bottles
Distribution channel – e.g., bars and HoReCa, convenience stores, discounters, e-commerce, general merchandise stores, hypermarkets, small grocery stores, supermarkets, warehouse clubs, others
Macroeconomic & Demographic Indicators
In addition to core market data, the report incorporates key socio-economic indicators that provide essential context for interpreting market dynamics. These include population trends, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), per capita consumption (expressed in USD), and consumer spending as a percentage of GDP. Together, these metrics offer a macroeconomic backdrop that enhances the strategic relevance of the market size figures, helping stakeholders better assess demand potential and long-term growth opportunities.
Competitive Landscape: Market Share Analysis
This report presents market share figures for top companies operating in the bottled water sector in South Korea, highlighting brand reach and competitive footprint. Notable participants include: Daekyo Holdings Co., Ltd., Danone S.A., Dongwon Group, HITEJINRO CO., LTD., Ilhwa Co., Ltd., Jeju Province Development Corporation, Lotte Corporation, Nestle S.A., Nongshim Co., Ltd., Pulmuone Co., Ltd., Sparkle Co., Ltd., The Coca-Cola Company, Woongjin Foods Co., Ltd., etc.
The report includes detailed market share analysis for major competitors across the total bottled water market, alongside segment-level insights covering bottled water, flavored water, sparkling flavored water, functional water, sparkling water, sparkling natural mineral water, sparkling purified water, still water, still natural mineral water, still purified water and still spring water.
Market share analysis covered in the report:
South Korea bottled water market share
South Korea flavored water market share
South Korea sparkling flavored water market share
South Korea functional water market share
South Korea sparkling water market share
South Korea sparkling natural mineral water market share
South Korea sparkling purified water market share
South Korea still water market share
South Korea still natural mineral water market share
South Korea still purified water market share
South Korea still spring water market share
Why Choose This Report?
Designed as a concise, data-rich market snapshot, this report is ideal for stakeholders seeking timely, reliable, and strategic insights. Whether you’re an investor, operator, consultant, or supplier, the data-driven structure supports confident, evidence-based decision-making.
Request a redacted sample to preview the data structure and presentation quality before purchase.
Deliverables Include
Professionally structured PDF report
Full EXCEL databook with year-by-year figures and multi-dimensional segmentation from 2021 to 2031
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Market Segmentation
Market Overview
South Korea Bottled Water Market – Product Type Analysis
South Korea Bottled Water Market – Packaging Type Analysis
South Korea Bottled Water Market – Distribution Channel Analysis
Company/Brand Shares Analysis
Daekyo Holdings Co., Ltd.
Danone S.A.
Dongwon Group
HITEJINRO CO., LTD.
Ilhwa Co., Ltd.
…
Macroeconomic Data and Forecast
Research Methodology
Disclaimer
FIGURES AND TABLES
Table South Korea Bottled Water Market 2021-2031
Chart South Korea Bottled Water Market, Net Growth, 2021-2031
Chart South Korea Bottled Water Market, Growth Rates, 2021-2031
Table South Korea Bottled Water Market by Product Type, 2021-2031
Chart South Korea Bottled Water Market by Product Type, CAGR Historic and Forecast, 2021-2031
Chart South Korea Bottled Water Market by Product Type, 2021-2031
Table South Korea Bottled Water Market by Packaging Type, 2021-2031
Chart South Korea Bottled Water Market by Packaging Type, CAGR Historic and Forecast, 2021-2031
Chart South Korea Bottled Water Market by Packaging Type, 2021-2031
Table South Korea Bottled Water Market by Distribution Channel, 2021-2031
Chart South Korea Bottled Water Market by Distribution Channel, CAGR Historic and Forecast, 2021-2031
Chart South Korea Bottled Water Market by Distribution Channel, 2021-2031
Table South Korea Bottled Water Market Share (%), by Companies, 2021-2025
Chart South Korea Bottled Water Market, by Companies, 2025
Table South Korea Bottled Water Market Share (%), by Brands, 2021-2025
Chart South Korea Bottled Water Market, by Brands, 2025
Table South Korea – Population (Millions) and Forecast
Table South Korea – Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Forecast
Table South Korea – Gross Domestic Product and Forecast
Table South Korea Bottled Water Market: Spend as a Proportion of GDP (%)
Table South Korea Bottled Water Market: Consumption per Capita (Population)
Companies Mentioned
The companies profiled in this South Korea Bottled Water market report include:
Daekyo Holdings Co., Ltd.
Danone S.A.
Dongwon Group
HITEJINRO CO., LTD.
Ilhwa Co., Ltd.
Jeju Province Development Corporation
Lotte Corporation
Nestle S.A.
Nongshim Co., Ltd.
Pulmuone Co., Ltd.
Sparkle Co., Ltd.
The Coca-Cola Company
Woongjin Foods Co., Ltd.
