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Health and wellbeing in South Korea: opportunities for Made in Italy

The Asian country’s positive momentum and the rise of consumers increasingly attentive to their well-being have created a fertile environment for trade with Italy.

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A fast-growing market


South Korea’s health and wellness market is expanding rapidly, with a projected value of 13.66 billion dollars in 2025, rising to 18.82 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.61%. This positive trend is fuelled by consumers who are increasingly focused on wellbeing, prevention and healthy lifestyles, creating room for innovative products and solutions.


Italian exports to South Korea


Italian companies already have an established presence in the country, with exports expected to reach 6.21 billion euros in 2024, albeit slightly down on previous years. Leading export categories include food products (483.7 million euros), leather goods and leatherwear (1.06 billion), pharmaceuticals (496.8 million) and machinery and equipment (875.7 million). These figures show how Italy can play a strategic role, offering high-quality, technologically advanced products in the health and wellness sectors.

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Opportunities in key sectors  


The growth of the Korean market opens opportunities for Italian companies in several areas:

  • Functional foods and nutraceuticals: with rising demand for supplements and healthy foods, Italian companies can leverage Made in Italy know-how and quality.

  • Pharmaceuticals and medical devices: Italy already exports pharmaceuticals worth over 496 million euros, but there is still ample potential thanks to innovative technologies and tailored solutions for care and prevention . 

  • Wellness and lifestyle: technical apparel, cosmetics and wellbeing devices are sectors where the reputation of Made in Italy can make a difference . 

Korean imports and market trends  


In parallel, Italy imports around 5.24 billion euros from South Korea in 2024, with growth in supplies of pharmaceuticals (1.03 billion) and clothing (28 million). This bilateral trade highlights mutual interest and opens the door to partnerships, joint ventures and know-how transfer. 

Strategy for Italian companies  


To consolidate their presence in the South Korean market, Italian companies should focus on quality, innovation and the ability to anticipate local trends. Certified products, advanced technologies and sustainable solutions can open new distribution channels and strengthen the reputation of Made in Italy as a global benchmark for health and wellness.  

With steady growth and sophisticated demand, South Korea is a strategic market for Italian businesses. The combination of technological excellence, quality and innovation offers Italian companies the opportunity to expand, strengthen their brand and contribute to the transformation of a rapidly evolving sector.

To explore export and import trends in the health and wellness sector, discover all the data and opportunities for Italian companies at Join OpportunItaly.

Source:

Infomercati Esteri. “Scambi commerciali – Corea del Sud”.

Healthcare & Wellness
Korean Wellness
Korean Health
Pharmaceuticals
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