South Korea Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market

South Korea Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market Overview:

The South Korea programmable logic controller (PLC) market size reached USD 310.65 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 472.50 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.77% during 2025-2033. South Korea’s expanding renewable energy projects, metro transit systems, and oil and gas operations are driving the demand for advanced PLC solutions. These systems enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability in power generation, transportation control, and terminal management, supporting infrastructure upgrades and compliance with regulatory standards, thus influencing the South Korea programmable logic controller (PLC) market share.

South Korea Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market Trends:

Growth of Renewable Energy and Power Infrastructure

The expansion of wind, solar, and energy storage projects in South Korea is increasing the opportunities for PLCs in power generation, grid management, and facility operations. These sophisticated control systems allow for accurate observation and quick reaction to variations in energy supply and demand, guaranteeing stable and efficient power distribution. In 2025, SK Innovation E&S began operations at Jeonnam Offshore Wind Farm 1, South Korea’s largest privately-driven offshore wind initiative, featuring a 96 MW capacity that can provide power to around 90,000 homes annually. These extensive renewable energy projects necessitate PLCs to oversee power conversion systems, incorporate distributed energy sources, and ensure grid stability amid fluctuating production conditions. Continuous investments in upgrading the national power infrastructure, such as enhancements to substations and transmission systems, are catalyzing the demand for PLC-based solutions that improve system reliability, optimize load balancing, and facilitate South Korea's shift toward a more sustainable energy mix.

Deployment in Metro and Urban Transit Control Systems

The swiftly advancing metro and light rail networks in South Korea are driving the need for dependable automation solutions, with PLCs acting as a fundamental element in maintaining operational safety and efficiency. These systems are essential for accurately handling track switching, station operations, and emergency procedures, ensuring timely and safe passenger transit. In 2025, the nation launched the 32.3 km Unjeongjungang–Seoul Station segment of the GTX-A express railway, cutting travel time to merely 21 minutes and signifying the project's second phase following the Suseo–Dongtan segment's opening in March 2024. These extensive infrastructure projects emphasize the growing demand for sophisticated control technologies that can manage large passenger numbers in crowded urban areas. Transit agencies are emphasizing contemporary PLC-based systems to attain energy-efficient functioning, improved safety adherence, and effortless integration with upcoming smart transportation projects, solidifying their importance as a crucial component in South Korea's transit growth.

Use in Oil and Gas Terminal Operations

In South Korea’s oil and gas storage and distribution facilities, PLCs are essential for maintaining operational safety, accuracy, and efficiency. They are utilized to constantly observe tank levels, control pumping systems, and oversee safety interlocks that avert dangerous situations. Due to the country’s strategic role as a significant energy import center, these terminals function at nearly full capacity, requiring automation systems that are both reliable and secure. The oil and gas market in South Korea reached USD 390.0 Million in 2024, with forecasts suggesting it will grow to USD 1,340.0 Million by 2033, demonstrating a CAGR of 13.30% from 2025 to 2033. This swift expansion is driving major enhancements to terminal infrastructure, as operators progressively embrace sophisticated PLC systems that can connect with real-time monitoring and environmental compliance tools. This rapid infrastructure development is impelling the South Korea programmable logic controller (PLC) market growth, attributed to the rising demand for advanced automation solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the energy sector.

South Korea Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 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 and end-use industry.

Type Insights:

• Hardware and Software
  • Large PLC
  • Nano PLC
  • Small PLC
  • Medium PLC
  • Others
• Services

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes hardware and software (large PLC, nano PLC, small PLC, medium PLC, and others) and services.

End-Use Industry Insights:

• Automotive
• Energy and Utilities
• Chemical and Petrochemical
• Oil and Gas
• Pulp and Paper
• Pharmaceutical
• Water and Wastewater Treatment
• Food, Tobacco, and Beverage
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end-use industry have also been provided in the report. This includes automotive, energy and utilities, chemical and petrochemical, oil and gas, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, water and wastewater treatment, food, tobacco, and beverage, 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 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the South Korea programmable logic controller (PLC) market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea programmable logic controller (PLC) market on the basis of type?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea programmable logic controller (PLC) market on the basis of end-use industry?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea programmable logic controller (PLC) market on the basis of region?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the South Korea programmable logic controller (PLC) market? 
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the South Korea programmable logic controller (PLC) market?
• What is the structure of the South Korea programmable logic controller (PLC) market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the South Korea programmable logic controller (PLC) 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 programmable logic controller (PLC) market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the South Korea programmable logic controller (PLC) 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 programmable logic controller (PLC) 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.