South Korea Adhesive and Sealant Market Overview, 2030

In South Korea, the adhesive and sealant market has seen notable progress, shaped by both global developments and local needs. Initially, adhesives were primarily used in the automotive and construction sectors, where the traditional methods of bonding materials, such as welding and mechanical fasteners, posed limitations in terms of strength, weight, and flexibility. South Korea faced several early challenges, including a dependence on imported adhesive products and the need for specialized solutions suited to its rapidly advancing industries. In response, local manufacturers began to invest heavily in research and development, driving the creation of adhesives that catered to the specific demands of South Korean industries, such as high-performance automotive components, electronics, and green construction. This led to the expansion of the adhesive market, where products served to bond various materials like metals, plastics, and composites, often in the form of structural adhesives or sealing materials. These adhesives work by chemically binding surfaces together, ensuring durability and resistance to environmental stress. The scope of these products extends across multiple sectors, including automotive, construction, electronics, and packaging, with adhesives playing an integral role in creating lightweight, energy-efficient, and durable products. South Korea’s automotive sector, for example, has seen a significant shift toward using adhesives to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency, while the electronics sector has increasingly adopted adhesives to assemble components in compact, high-performance devices. In recent years, the country has seen a surge in demand for adhesives that meet environmental standards, driven by growing awareness of sustainability. Government regulations and policies have actively supported this transition, promoting the development and use of eco-friendly adhesives that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and free from hazardous materials. Additionally, South Korea's government has implemented initiatives to support green building practices, incentivizing the use of adhesives in energy-efficient construction and renovation projects. Technological advancements have also played a crucial role, with South Korean manufacturers developing innovative adhesive products that incorporate smart features, such as self-healing properties or resistance to extreme temperatures. However, the industry faces challenges such as the high cost of raw materials and fierce competition from international manufacturers. Despite these challenges, South Korea remains a key player in the global adhesive and sealant market, thanks to its ability to innovate and adapt to emerging trends in sustainability, energy efficiency, and advanced manufacturing. The market’s future growth will be driven by continued demand for eco-friendly solutions, automotive innovation, and advancements in materials technology.

According to the research report, "South Korea Adhesive and Sealant Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea adhesive and sealant market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 2.66 Billion by 2030. South Korea’s economy is one of the most advanced in Asia, with a well-established industrial base and cutting-edge technological innovations. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted production and global supply chains, particularly in manufacturing and construction, but the country’s quick recovery and robust vaccination efforts have supported a return to pre-pandemic activity levels by 2023. As South Korea navigates the post-pandemic landscape, the market has been impacted by shifts toward eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions, with increased emphasis on sustainable adhesive products. Key industry players in South Korea, such as LG Chem, Hanwha, and Samsung, continue to dominate the sector, while new entrants focus on advanced, high-performance adhesives, responding to demand in emerging areas like electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy. Global supply chains for raw materials, including petrochemical products, remain a critical aspect of the industry, with South Korea maintaining strong trade relationships with key suppliers in the United States and Japan. Regionally, the demand for adhesives is especially strong in industrial hubs like Seoul, Ulsan, and Incheon, which house major production facilities for automotive and electronics. Recent trends show a growing shift towards bio-based and low-VOC adhesives in line with government regulations that encourage environmental sustainability. Industry news from 2023-2024 highlights increased investments in research and development, with South Korean manufacturers exploring cutting-edge adhesive formulations to meet the demands of high-tech industries, including semiconductor and battery production. In addition to industry advancements, the government’s focus on green energy and sustainable construction has influenced the adoption of innovative adhesive solutions for energy-efficient buildings and electric vehicles. Looking ahead, South Korea's adhesive and sealant market will likely see continued advancements in smart adhesive technologies, driven by demand for lightweight and durable materials in high-performance applications. Increasing regulatory pressure on emissions and waste will further shape product development, as manufacturers look to reduce environmental impact while meeting evolving consumer expectations. With a culture rooted in technological innovation and a commitment to sustainability, South Korea is poised to lead the global adhesive and sealant market through the next decade.

In South Korea, the adhesive and sealant market is segmented by formulation technology and resin type, with each segment demonstrating distinct characteristics and trends. Among adhesive technologies, water-based adhesives hold the largest market share due to their environmentally friendly properties, lower toxicity, and growing demand in industries such as construction, packaging, and automotive. These adhesives are favored for their low emissions, making them compliant with stringent environmental regulations. Solvent-based adhesives, while not as widely adopted as water-based options, have the fastest growth rate, driven by their superior bonding strength and versatility in various industrial applications. These adhesives are commonly used in the automotive and electronics sectors, where high performance is essential. Hot-melt adhesives, which offer instant bonding and excellent durability, are widely used in packaging and assembly lines, particularly in the food and beverage industries. Reactive adhesives, including UV-cured and moisture-curing types, are gaining ground in South Korea's electronics sector, where precision and performance are critical for bonding delicate components. Sealants in South Korea are mainly categorized by resin type, with silicone-based sealants holding the largest market share due to their superior flexibility, weather resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. These sealants are extensively used in construction, automotive, and HVAC industries. Polyurethane sealants, known for their strong adhesive properties and resilience, are commonly used in applications requiring a durable, flexible bond, such as in automotive and construction sectors. Acrylic sealants, which provide faster curing times and ease of application, are the fastest-growing segment, particularly in the DIY market and for general-purpose applications in construction and manufacturing. Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) sealants, typically used for wood and general construction applications, remain a steady segment, especially in the woodworking industry. The market is also witnessing an increasing demand for other specialty sealant products that cater to niche applications, such as in electronics, healthcare, and aerospace. In South Korea, pricing trends have been influenced by factors such as the volatility of raw material costs and increasing environmental standards, which drive manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices and materials. Distribution channels in the country include direct sales, third-party distributors, and online platforms, with a growing emphasis on digital marketing to reach a broader audience. Marketing efforts in South Korea often highlight the high-performance capabilities and environmental benefits of these products, and manufacturers are shifting toward packaging innovations that emphasize sustainability and recyclability. The ongoing focus on environmental responsibility and advanced technology will continue to shape the market landscape in the coming years.
In South Korea, the adhesive and sealant market finds its applications across a wide range of industries, each with unique needs and demands. The largest segment remains buildings and construction, driven by the need for strong, durable, and versatile bonding solutions in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Adhesives and sealants are used for flooring, wall installations, insulation, windows, and other structural components, as the construction sector focuses on energy-efficient and sustainable building practices. The paper, board, and packaging industry also holds a significant share of the market, as the rise of e-commerce has led to a growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Adhesives that offer strong bonds while maintaining eco-friendly profiles are gaining traction, in line with South Korea’s stringent environmental regulations and consumer preferences for green products. The automotive and transportation sector is another key application area, where adhesives and sealants are essential for vehicle assembly, including bonding body parts, windshields, insulation, and soundproofing materials. With the country’s focus on electric vehicle development, adhesives used in battery packs and electric systems are expected to see significant growth. Woodworking and joinery are important areas as well, with adhesives used for furniture and cabinetry, where strong, reliable bonds are crucial for durability and aesthetics. The footwear and leather industry, while smaller in comparison, still contributes to the demand for adhesives, particularly in the manufacturing of shoes, leather goods, and textiles. The healthcare sector also plays a crucial role, with adhesives and sealants being used in medical devices, wound care, and pharmaceutical packaging. The electrical and electronics industry is the fastest-growing segment in South Korea’s adhesive and sealant market. With the rise of consumer electronics, semiconductors, and electric vehicles, specialized adhesives for heat resistance, electrical insulation, and durability are increasingly in demand. The market also sees strong contributions from other end-user industries, such as consumer products, DIY applications, and industrial repairs. The growing DIY culture, especially in home improvement and furniture assembly, has spurred demand for adhesives and sealants in smaller, household projects. As the demand for efficient and eco-friendly bonding solutions continues to rise across these diverse sectors, South Korea’s adhesive and sealant market is expected to evolve, aligning with the country’s technological innovations and sustainability goals.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Adhesive & Sealant market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region & country wise market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation



By Product Type
• Adhesive
• Sealant

By Formulating Technology (Adhesive)
• Water-based
• Solvent-based
• Hot-melt
• Reactive & Others

By Resin Type (Sealant)
• Silicone
• Polyurethane
• Acrylic
• Polyvinyl Acetate
• Other Sealant Product

By Application
• Paper, Board, and Packaging
• Buildings and Construction
• Automotive & Transportation
• Woodworking and Joinery
• Footwear and Leather
• Healthcare
• Electrical and Electronics
• Other End-user Industries ( Consumer & DIY,etc)

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 listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report 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. Post this we have started doing primary calls to industry people by equally segmenting in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry manufactures, consultants, Key vendors related to Adhesive & Sealant industry. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.