South Korea Cookware Market Overview, 2028

South Korea's cookware market has evolved rapidly alongside the country's modernization. Traditional Korean cookware, like earthenware pots (onggi) and iron cauldrons (sot), coexists with modern cookware, reflecting a blend of tradition and innovation. South Korean consumers cherish traditional dishes like bibimbap and hot pots (jeongol). Cookware designed for these specific dishes, like dolsot (stone bowls), is widely used. The majority of South Koreans live in urban apartments with limited kitchen space. Cookware designed for compact living, like stackable pots and pans, caters to this demographic. During the Three Kingdoms period, bronze cookware became prevalent in Korean households. Bronze was prized for its durability and ability to distribute heat evenly. These pots and pans were used for various cooking methods, including stir-frying and boiling. Chinese-style woks and steamers have influenced Korean cookware. These items are used for stir-frying, steaming, and preparing a wide range of Korean dishes. South Korea is known for its innovation in kitchen appliances, and the electric rice cooker is a notable example. The development of electric rice cookers revolutionised rice preparation in Korean households, making it more convenient and consistent. According to the research report "South Korea Cookware Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Cookware Market is projected to reach a market size of more than USD 30 Million by 2028. Health and wellness are paramount to South Korean consumers. They seek cookware that supports healthy cooking methods, such as non-stick pans that require less oil and steamers for preserving nutrients. This aligns with the trend towards nutritious home-cooked meals. Some collectors focus on acquiring traditional Korean cookware, such as onggi (earthenware pots), dolsot (stone bowls), and sot (iron cauldrons). These pieces are valued for their historical significance and craftsmanship. South Korea has a thriving artisanal craft culture, and collectors may be drawn to handcrafted cookware made by local artisans. These pieces often feature unique designs and materials. The influence of international cuisine, popularised through travel and media, has led to a greater diversity of dishes prepared at home. South Koreans are eager to explore global flavours, which require versatile cookware. As urbanisation continues, South Koreans have busier lifestyles. Cookware that offers convenience, such as multi-cookers and non-stick pans, is favoured by that seeking efficient meal preparation. South Korean consumers value quality and durability in their cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron, and high-quality non-stick coatings are preferred materials for their longevity and performance. The popularity of specific dishes, like Korean barbecue and hot pots, drives the demand for specialised cookware tailored to these cooking methods. South Koreans are increasingly hosting gatherings and events at home, leading to a demand for cookware suitable for entertaining guests. Stylish and functional cookware for hosting is in demand. Cooking shows, food blogs, and culinary education programmes have inspired South Koreans to experiment with diverse recipes. Specialised cookware allows enthusiasts to try their hand at new cooking techniques.

Based on the product types segmented into cooking tools (ovenware, pressure cooker and others), In South Korea, the ovenware market is growing; South Koreans are increasingly adopting Western-style cooking methods and dishes that require ovenware. Baking, roasting, and grilling have become popular cooking techniques, necessitating the use of oven-safe cookware. The globalisation of cuisine, coupled with the popularity of international cooking shows and online recipes, has led to greater interest in preparing dishes that require ovenware, such as casseroles, lasagnas, and roasted meats. Oven cooking is often associated with healthier options, as it requires less oil and fat compared to frying. South Koreans, like many consumers globally, are becoming more health-conscious, driving the demand for ovenware to prepare nutritious meals. Cooking shows, food blogs, and social media platforms have inspired South Koreans to experiment with oven-based recipes. This trend encourages the purchase of ovenware to explore new culinary techniques. The growth of kitchen appliances, such as convection ovens and microwave ovens with baking functions, has further fueled the demand for ovenware. Consumers invest in suitable cookware to complement these appliances. According to the report, the application is segmented into household and commercial segments. In South Korea, the commercial segment is a growing segment. South Korea has experienced a coffee boom in recent years. Cafes and coffee shops are ubiquitous in urban areas, and South Koreans have developed a taste for high-quality coffee. This has led to a demand for specialised coffee-making equipment, including French presses, espresso machines, pour-over sets, and coffee grinders. Coffee enthusiasts seek high-quality, precise cookware to replicate the cafe experience at home. Furthermore, South Korea's thriving hotel industry, catering to both domestic and international tourists, has raised the bar for dining experiences. Hotels often feature fine-dining restaurants, banquet halls, and catering services. This has driven the demand for professional-grade cookware used in hotel kitchens. High-end hotels invest in premium cookware to ensure the quality of their culinary offerings. South Korea has a vibrant kitchenware retail sector, offering a wide variety of cookware, bakeware, and kitchen gadgets. These retailers cater to the needs of both professionals in the hospitality industry and home cooks looking for quality kitchen equipment. Based on the material types, they include stainless steel, aluminium, glass, and others. In this country, glass is a growing market. Glass cookware offers a unique aesthetic appeal due to its transparency. South Korean consumers appreciate the elegant and modern look of glass pots, pans, and bakeware. The see-through nature of glass allows them to monitor the cooking process, enhancing the overall cooking experience. South Koreans are increasingly health-conscious, and glass is perceived as a safe and healthy material for cookware. Glass does not leach any harmful chemicals or flavours into food, ensuring that dishes retain their natural flavours and purity. This aligns with the trend towards nutritious and clean eating. Glass cookware is versatile and can be used for various cooking methods, including baking, roasting, sautéing, and simmering. It can go from the oven to the table, making it suitable for oven-to-table serving, which is common in South Korean households. Many glass cookware pieces are microwave-safe, making them suitable for reheating and defrosting food. This convenience resonates with consumers who value efficiency in the kitchen.

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Manmayi Raval

Research Consultant

Distribution channels include offline and online. In countries where online is a growing segment, South Korea has experienced a significant e-commerce boom with a robust online shopping infrastructure. Major e-commerce platforms, both domestic and international, have established a strong presence in the country, offering consumers a wide range of products, including cookware. Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility. South Korean consumers can browse, compare, and purchase cookware from the comfort of their homes or on the go using mobile devices. This convenience aligns with the fast-paced lifestyles of many urban dwellers. Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility. South Korean consumers can browse, compare, and purchase cookware from the comfort of their homes or on the go using mobile devices. This convenience aligns with the fast-paced lifestyles of many urban dwellers. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards online shopping as consumers sought contactless and safe purchasing options. This trend has persisted as more people continue to value the convenience and safety of online shopping. Considered in this report: • Geography: South Korea • Historic year: 2017 • Base year: 2022 • Estimated year: 2023 • Forecast year: 2028 Aspects covered in this report: • South Korea Cookware market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation

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By Product Type: • Pots and pans • cooking tools • Ovenware • Pressure Cooker • Others (cast iron cookware) By Material: • Stainless Steel • Aluminum • Glass • Others(Fiber, Ceramic, Plastics) By Application: • Household • Commercial By Distribution: • Offline • Online The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience: This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Cookware industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.