South Korea Bottled Water Market Overview, 2031

The bottled water market in South Korea has witnessed rapid growth over the last few decades, driven by urbanization, increased health awareness, and consumer demand for convenient hydration solutions. While South Korea's tap water is generally safe to drink, the rise of bottled water has been fueled by concerns about taste, convenience, and the growing shift towards healthier lifestyles. Companies like Korea Yakult, HiteJinro, and Coca-Cola Korea have dominated the market, with a range of offerings, from basic purified water to more premium options. The market began gaining significant traction in the 1990s as bottled water was marketed as a clean and reliable alternative to tap water, especially in major urban centers like Seoul. Today, South Korea is one of the top consumers of bottled water per capita in Asia, with products like Jeju Samdasoo produced from the island of Jeju's natural springs becoming a symbol of premium, natural hydration. This trend is further enhanced by a strong consumer preference for purity and sustainability. South Korea’s bottled water market has evolved to accommodate a growing interest in health-focused products, with water brands now offering variations such as alkaline water, water infused with minerals, and even water with added probiotics. Amid the ongoing environmental concerns, the country has also become more focused on sustainability, with many brands beginning to embrace eco-friendly packaging. The emergence of eco-conscious consumer behavior, combined with the increasing preference for health-focused beverages, positions the South Korean bottled water market for further growth and innovation in the coming years.

According to the research report, "South Korea Bottled Water Market Outlook, 2031," published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Bottled Water market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.50% CAGR from 2026 to 2031. The bottled water market in South Korea is characterized by both traditional players and new entrants, reflecting the country's growing interest in healthy, convenient, and premium hydration options. Major brands such as Jeju Samdasoo and Hite Jinro’s Chungju Water are among the most popular in the country, with Jeju Samdasoo known for its high-quality water sourced from Jeju Island leading the premium segment. This product is highly regarded for its mineral content and purity, reflecting the South Korean consumer's desire for high-quality natural products. Another key trend has been the rise of functional water products, driven by increasing health awareness. Brands like Coca-Cola Korea’s Smartwater and HiteJinro’s Chungju Water have tapped into this trend by promoting benefits such as enhanced hydration and mineral balance. Moreover, South Korean consumers, particularly the younger demographic, have become more health-conscious, opting for water products enriched with electrolytes, antioxidants, and even probiotics. The demand for these functional waters is increasing rapidly, with new players entering the market to offer innovative products. The convenience of bottled water also plays a key role in its popularity, with consumers often choosing it for on-the-go hydration. South Korea’s extensive convenience store network, with chains like CU and 7-Eleven, plays a crucial role in distributing bottled water to consumers, making it easily accessible for urban dwellers. However, the market faces sustainability challenges, particularly related to plastic waste. In response, companies like Jeju Samdasoo and HiteJinro have committed to using more recyclable PET bottles and have explored alternatives such as biodegradable packaging. The focus on sustainable practices, along with an ever-growing interest in health and wellness, ensures that South Korea's bottled water market will continue to evolve and adapt to consumer demands.

In South Korea, still water is the most dominant product type in the bottled water market, driven by the country’s focus on purity, hydration, and the cultural preference for clean and safe drinking water. Local brands such as Jeju Samdasoo and Hwasun Water have gained strong traction, thanks to their mineral-rich water sourced from the clean aquifers and volcanic areas in Jeju Island and Hwasun, which are well-known for their natural filtration systems. South Koreans are particularly discerning about water quality, and bottled still water is seen as the safest option, especially in urban areas like Seoul where the tap water supply is often considered less reliable due to concerns about pollutants. Sparkling water, while not as established as still water, has seen growing popularity among younger, health-conscious consumers who are increasingly turning to it as a refreshing alternative to sugary soft drinks. International brands like Perrier and San Pellegrino have seen success in South Korea’s upscale markets, offering sparkling water as a luxury or premium drink, often consumed during meals or special occasions. Functional water is also growing rapidly in South Korea, as the health and wellness trend continues to gain momentum, with an emphasis on products that offer added benefits like electrolytes or minerals. Coca-Cola’s Smartwater and Suntory’s BOSS offer enhanced waters that cater to the busy, health-conscious demographic in major cities like Seoul and Busan, where the demand for convenience and fitness-oriented products is particularly high. Enhanced water, infused with vitamins or antioxidants, is becoming increasingly popular, especially among young consumers who seek both hydration and nutritional value from their beverages. Brands such as Vita Coco and Bottled Sunshine cater to this segment, offering health-focused waters infused with nutrients.

In South Korea, off-trade distribution channels play a key role in the bottled water market, with supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores being the primary points of sale. Large retail chains like E-Mart, Lotte Mart, and Homeplus offer an extensive range of bottled water brands, catering to consumers looking for both affordable, everyday options and premium water products. Convenience stores such as CU and GS25 are integral to the distribution network, particularly in urban areas where consumers frequently purchase bottled water on-the-go, whether it's for work, school, or travel. The growing popularity of e-commerce in South Korea has also impacted bottled water sales, with online platforms like Coupang and Gmarket providing consumers the convenience of home delivery, especially for bulk purchases. This shift towards online shopping, further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made bottled water more accessible, even to those living in more remote or rural areas. In terms of packaging, plastic remains the dominant material used in the South Korean bottled water market, mainly due to its affordability and convenience. However, there has been a noticeable shift toward more eco-conscious practices, with companies like Jeju Samdasoo and Hwasun Water beginning to use recycled PET (rPET) to help reduce their environmental footprint. Glass packaging, although less common, is gaining ground in the premium sector, particularly for upscale brands like Evian and San Pellegrino, which appeal to a more affluent consumer base. Metal packaging remains a niche but growing segment, especially for eco-conscious consumers who prefer more sustainable alternatives. On-trade distribution is also significant, with premium bottled water brands being offered at upscale restaurants, hotels, and bars in major cities. Despite challenges, such as increasing concerns about plastic waste, South Korea’s bottled water market continues to grow, with a clear shift towards healthier, more sustainable products and an evolving distribution landscape.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031



Aspects covered in this report
• Bottled Water Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Still Water
• Sparkling Water
• Functional Water
• Enhanced Water

By Distribution Channel
• Off-trade
• On-trade