South Korea Rubber Market

South Korea Rubber Market Overview:

The South Korea rubber market size reached USD 905.27 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 1,328.03 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.35% during 2025-2033. In South Korea, the healthcare industry is thriving and public consciousness about hygiene and safety is rising, resulting in a higher demand for rubber products like gloves, tubing, seals, stoppers, and components for medical devices. Besides this, with the miniaturization and development of electronic devices, producers require high-quality materials that are capable of managing specific and rigorous tasks, fueling the South Korea rubber market share.

South Korea Rubber Market Trends:

Increasing demand from automotive industry

As the country continues to produce and export a large number of vehicles, the need for various rubber components is increasing steadily. As per the CEIC, in February 2025, South Korea's motor vehicle sales tallied 132,909 units, up from 106,076 units in January 2025. Rubber is essential in the manufacturing of tires, which are one of the most critical parts of any vehicle. Besides tires, rubber is also widely employed in belts, hoses, seals, gaskets, bushings, and vibration control parts. These components help ensure safety, performance, and durability in both conventional and electric vehicles. With the growth in electric vehicle production, there is also a rising need for specialized rubber parts that can handle higher temperatures and different mechanical loads. The focus on fuel efficiency and lightweight materials is further supporting innovations in rubber compounds to meet these new demands. In addition, rubber aids in reducing noise and improving ride comfort, which is a growing priority for automakers. As vehicle production volume is increasing domestically and exports are rising, rubber manufacturers are experiencing greater demand for both natural and synthetic rubber products. This trend is strengthening the supply chain and encouraging investments in new rubber technologies. Overall, the thriving automotive sector in South Korea is contributing to the expansion and development of the country’s rubber market.

Growing healthcare applications 

Rising healthcare applications are impelling the South Korea rubber market growth. As the healthcare sector is expanding and public awareness about hygiene and safety is increasing, there is a greater need for rubber-based items, such as gloves, tubing, seals, stoppers, and medical device components. Hospitals, clinics, and laboratories continue to rely on these products for daily operations and patient care. Rubber materials are preferred for their flexibility, durability, and resistance to chemicals and heat, making them ideal for sterile and sensitive environments. Rising aging population and growth in medical services are also contributing to higher utilization of rubber in diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. According to the data released by the South Korea Ministry of the Interior and Safety, in 2024, there were 10.24 Million individuals aged 65 and above, representing 20% of the country's total population of 51 Million. In addition, the focus on infection control is promoting the use of disposable rubber products. As healthcare infrastructure continues to develop, rubber manufacturers in South Korea are seeing rising opportunities to supply the industry with high-quality, safe, and reliable rubber solutions.

Rising adoption of consumer electronics

With rising production and exports of consumer electronic items, the demand for rubber is high. As per the OEC, in 2024, South Korea exported USD 213 Billion in electrical machinery and electronics, making it the top exported item (among 96) from the country. Rubber is essential for insulation, shock absorption, sealing, and heat resistance in these products. As electronic devices are becoming smaller and more advanced, manufacturers need high-performance rubber materials that can handle precise and demanding functions. Rubber parts, such as gaskets, keypads, vibration dampers, and protective covers, help improve device durability and user safety. With the rapid development of smart devices and wearable technology, the need for flexible and lightweight rubber materials continues to rise. South Korea’s strong position in electronics manufacturing is strengthening this trend, driving steady demand for specialized rubber solutions that support innovations, efficiency, and product reliability in the thriving consumer electronics sector.

South Korea Rubber 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 application.

Type Insights:

• Synthetic Rubber
• Natural Rubber

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes synthetic rubber and natural rubber.

Application Insights:

• Tire
• Non-Tire Automotive
• Footwear
• Industrial Goods
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application have also been provided in the report. This includes tire, non-tire automotive, footwear, industrial goods, 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 Rubber Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

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