South Korea Hydroponics Market

South Korea Hydroponics Market Overview:

The South Korea hydroponics market size reached USD 280.73 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 623.95 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 9.28% during 2025-2033. The market is propelled by growing consumer demand for pesticide-free, fresh produce and the increasing adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Besides that, government initiatives promoting smart farming technologies and food security are accelerating the adoption of hydroponic systems across urban and peri-urban regions. Additionally, continual technological advancements and strong research and development (R&D) infrastructure support the development of innovative, high-efficiency hydroponic solutions, thereby augmenting South Korea hydroponics market share.

South Korea Hydroponics Market Trends:

Urbanization and the Expansion of Controlled-Environment Agriculture

South Korea's high population density in urban regions and low arable lands have propelled the push for controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), especially in the form of hydroponic systems. In 2024, around 81.5% of South Korea's population lived in urban centers, which is indicative of the high degree of South Korea's urbanization. As urbanization increases, conventional farming is no longer sustainable in most areas, so alternative means that enable food production in non-farm areas like rooftops, basements, and repurposed warehouses are widely adopted. Hydroponics is particularly well-suitable to this trend as it supports high-output growing without the use of soil and under artificial light, usually in completely closed systems. In addition, the growth of smart cities and green building architecture has also encouraged the incorporation of hydroponic units into residential, commercial, and institutional infrastructure. Moreover, startups are coming up with scalable, modular solutions for hyper-local food production, while public and private sectors are investing in community-based hydroponic farms to increase access to food. This movement represents not simply a functional response to spatial limitations but also a broader reinterpretation of how and where food is produced within the framework of contemporary urban life.

Government Initiatives Promoting Smart Farming Technologies

Government support for smart farming technologies is one of the key drivers propelling South Korea hydroponics market growth. Recognizing the potential of controlled-environment agriculture to solve food security, labor shortages, and urbanization-related challenges, the South Korean government has rolled out various initiatives to encourage high-tech farming. These include subsidies, research grants, pilot schemes, and technical training to speed up the deployment of automation, IoT-monitoring, and AI-managed nutrient control in hydroponic systems. For example, the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), the 2025 work plan encompasses the conversion of 20% of the nation's total greenhouse farmland—around 55,000 hectares—into smart farms, up from 16% in 2024. The initiative also seeks to promote more advanced smart farming practices by incorporating cutting-edge technologies like AI and robotics, while enhancing links with associated upstream and downstream industries. These technologies enable very precise control over conditions of growth, resulting in increased yields, minimized waste, and better input efficiency, like water and nutrients. Furthermore, public-supported infrastructure initiatives are facilitating the establishment of smart greenhouses and vertical farms in urban and peri-urban areas. There has also been greater collaboration with universities and technology startups to create an ecosystem of innovation that supports next-generation farm models. These policy initiatives make South Korean domestic food resilience stronger and place South Korea at the forefront of regional agricultural innovation.

South Korea Hydroponics Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, crop type, and equipment.

Type Insights:

• Aggregate Hydroponic System
  • Closed System
  • Open System 
• Liquid Hydroponic System

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes aggregate hydroponic system (closed system and open system) and liquid hydroponic system.

Crop Type Insights:

• Tomato
• Lettuce and Leafy Vegetables
• Pepper
• Cucumber
• Microgreens
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the crop type have also been provided in the report. This includes tomato, lettuce and leafy vegetables, pepper, cucumber, microgreens, and others.

Equipment Insights:

• HVAC
• LED Grow Light
• Irrigation Systems
• Material Handling
• Control Systems
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the equipment. This includes HVAC, LED grow light, irrigation systems, material handling, control systems, and others.

Regional Insights:

• Seoul Capital Area      
• Yeongnam (Southeastern Region)       
• Honam (Southwestern Region)       
• Hoseo (Central Region)       
• Others   

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Seoul Capital Area, Yeongnam (Southeastern Region), Honam (Southwestern Region), Hoseo (Central Region), and others.      

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

South Korea Hydroponics Market News:

• In April 2024, CESeL Primus, a South Korean AgTech startup, announced a strategic partnership with PT Batam Indo Agri Perkasa, a subsidiary of Indonesia’s Salim Group. The collaboration aims to cultivate, market, and distribute hydroponically grown salad vegetables and eco-friendly Korean strawberries across Southeast Asia. As part of the agreement, CESeL Primus will establish a vertical strawberry farm in Indonesia, leveraging Salim Group’s regional supply chain to expand distribution to markets including Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.

South Korea Hydroponics Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the South Korea hydroponics market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea hydroponics market on the basis of type?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea hydroponics market on the basis of crop type?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea hydroponics market on the basis of equipment?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea hydroponics market on the basis of region?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the South Korea hydroponics market? 
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the South Korea hydroponics market?
• What is the structure of the South Korea hydroponics market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the South Korea hydroponics market? 

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the South Korea hydroponics market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the South Korea hydroponics market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the South Korea hydroponics industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.