South Korea Printed Electronics Market is estimated valued at US$ 330.3 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 821.5 million by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9% from 2024 to 2031. The printed electronics market in South Korea has been experiencing significant growth, driven by various factors such as technological advancements, increasing demand for flexible electronics, government support, and emerging applications. South Korea is a leading hub for electronics manufacturing and innovation, with a strong emphasis on research and development.

South Korea Printed Electronics Market is segmented By Device (Displays, Sensors, Batteries, RFID Tags, and Lighting), By Material (Substrates, Inks, Transistors, Batteries, and Sensors) and By End-use Industry (Consumer Electronics, Healthcare, Smart Packaging, Textiles)

South Korea Printed Electronics Market Drivers:

• High demand from consumer electronics sector: The consumer electronics sector in South Korea has been one of the major drivers of growth for the printed electronics market. South Korea is known globally for its tech giants like Samsung and LG that have become industry leaders in consumer electronics. Both these companies have been at the forefront of adopting printed electronic technologies into their products. Going forward, the Internet of Things (IoT) and rollable displays are expected to further accelerate the adoption of printed electronics. As more devices get connected to the internet, there will be a growing need for integrating different types of sensors and electronics into unconventional form factors using printing methods. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea, the number of IoT connections in the country rose to over 33 million by 2021.
• Development of flexible/wearable devices: The development of flexible and wearable electronic devices is a major factor propelling the growth of the printed electronics market in South Korea. These innovative devices are being manufactured by incorporating printed electronics components which can be comfortably worn on the body or bent without damaging. This includes smart watches, fitness bands, smart fabrics, medical patches, and many more. The demand for such flexible devices has increased tremendously over the past few years in South Korea. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea, the shipment of wearable devices grew by 25% in 2021 from the previous year with smart watches capturing over 50% of the overall wearable device shipments. This exponential growth in flexible and wearable devices has created a huge market opportunity for printed electronics manufacturers in South Korea. They are extensively focusing on developing printed electronic components like flexible batteries, OLED display, sensors, and semiconductor chips which can sustain several bending and used in many form factors.

South Korea Printed Electronics Market Opportunities:

• Internet of Things (IoT) applications: South Korea has been at the forefront of the development and adoption of IoT devices and smart home technologies. With its technologically savvy population and advanced digital infrastructure, the country is well-positioned to take full advantage of new IoT applications that are driving growth in the printed electronics sector. As more devices are connected to the internet and require flexible display and sensing technologies, the demand for printed electronic components like sensors, RFID tags, and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is increasing rapidly. Key sectors like healthcare, logistics, automotive, and manufacturing are investing heavily in IoT platforms that rely on sophisticated tracking, monitoring, and personalized display solutions. According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, South Korea's government aims to have 90% of hospitals connected to an integrated health record system by 2023.
• Adoption of printed electronics in healthcare sector: Healthcare and medical devices offer huge potential for growth in South Korea's printed electronics market. South Korea has an advanced healthcare system and a growing elderly population that will drive increased demand for innovative medical technologies. Printed electronics allow for the development of flexible and lightweight devices that can improve patient comfort and outcomes. Some promising healthcare applications that could see expanded use of printed electronics include wearable sensors, surgical robots, drug delivery patches, and telehealth devices. Wearable health monitors that can track vital signs offer a prime opportunity. Non-intrusive sensors printed directly on bandages or clothing could revolutionize remote patient monitoring and management of chronic conditions. This would help address the growing prevalence of diseases like diabetes and heart disease. The elderly especially stand to benefit from continuous monitoring to enable early detection and treatment of health issues from the comfort of their own homes. According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, over 15% of South Korea's population was aged 65 and older in 2020, showing a rapidly aging trend that underscores the potential for such technologies.

South Korea Printed Electronics Market Restraints:

• Higher costs compared to traditional electronics: Higher costs compared to traditional electronics is one of the major factors restraining the growth of South Korea printed electronics market. Printed electronics production involves multiple deposition, patterning, and finishing steps like materials handling, photolithography, lift-off, screen printing, inkjet printing, etc. which makes the manufacturing process complex and expensive. Since the technology is new, the production volumes are still low which does not allow economies of scale to bring down the costs.
• Counter Balance: To overcome the challenges of higher costs in South Korea's printed electronics market, leveraging collaborative resources, innovating in material science, and targeting appropriate niche markets are key strategies.
• Underdeveloped printed sensors market: The underdeveloped printed sensors market is significantly restraining the growth of South Korea's printed electronics market. Printed sensors play a crucial role in the printed electronics ecosystem as they enable the detection and measurement of various parameters. However, South Korea is still in the nascent stage as far as printed sensor technology is concerned. Most of the R&D efforts of Korean companies in this domain are focused on printed transistor/logic and photovoltaic devices while sensing applications have not received comparable attention. As a result, the country currently offers limited options in printed temperature, humidity, proximity, gesture, and biosensors.
• Counter Balance: In addressing the challenges of an underdeveloped printed sensors market in South Korea, it is important to drive industry awareness, demonstrate the technology’s value, and create incentives for adoption.

South Korea Printed Electronics Market Overview:

The printed electronics market in South Korea has been witnessing significant growth due to advancements in technology and increasing demand for flexible and lightweight electronic devices. South Korea is a major hub for printed electronics, with several leading companies and research institutions driving innovation in this sector. Printed electronics are being utilized in various applications such as flexible displays, RFID tags, sensors, and smart packaging.

The country's strong manufacturing infrastructure and expertise in display technologies have contributed to grow in this market. Government support, including funding for research and development, has further fueled growth in the printed electronics sector. As a result, South Korea is positioned as a key player in the global printed electronics market, with continued expansion and innovation expected in the coming years.

• Development of multifunctional printed electronics: Additive manufacturing using 3D printing technology is having a profound influence on South Korea's printed electronics market. This innovative production method allows for quick prototyping and customization, which enables companies to respond more rapidly to customer needs and bring new products to market faster. Rather than traditional subtractive processes that cut away material, 3D printing is an additive process that builds up layers of material such as polymers, metals, ceramics, or composite materials to form three-dimensional objects of almost any shape from a digital model. The flexibility and design freedom afforded by 3D printing is driving innovation in many industries adopting printed electronics, such as healthcare, automotive, consumer products, and more. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, South Korea raise (US$ 31.8 trillion) of public funds between 2016 and 2022 to support advanced manufacturing including 3D printing and new materials technologies through various R&D programs and SME collaborations (MOTIE 2023). This government support is catalyzing more experimentation and commercialization of 3D printed electronics across various sectors of the economy. As this technology trend continues, it will transform the capabilities and business models of companies in South Korea's extensive printed electronics industry.
• Shift towards printed flexible electronics in automotive and transportation sector: Printed sensors have become an influential trend that is positively impacting the growth of South Korea's printed electronics market. Printed sensors allow for the development of novel applications and devices that can conveniently monitor various variables. An increasing number of manufacturers are utilizing printed sensor technology to develop smart consumer products, wearable devices, IoT applications, and more. Such continuous technological breakthroughs have stimulated broader commercialization of printed sensors. Market observers forecast growing investments and partnerships between sensor companies and electronics manufacturers as well as research institutions across various industries like mobile communications, automotive, food packaging, and more. The Korean government has additionally allocated larger R&D grants for printed electronics and flexible hybrid electronics under its 2030 New Deal Plan, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Figure 1. South Korea Printed Electronics Market Share (%), by Country, 2024

Samsung Display Co., Ltd., LG Display Co., Ltd., Seoul Viosys Co., Ltd., Agfa-Gevaert N.V., Optomec Inc., Molex LLC, ThinFilm Electronics ASA, and GSI Technologies, LLC

• In September 2021, Samsung Electronics CO., Ltd. is a South Korean multinational major appliance and consumer electronics corporation headquartered in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, South Korea. Released the 24-inch Webcam display S4 (Model Name: S4OVA), its newest display, which is intended to meet the demands of workers who are hybrids. The display facilitates seamless communication and teamwork among users by featuring an integrated webcam, speakers, and microphones.
• In April 2021, E Lnk Holdings Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets consumer electronic products. The Company produces electronic paper, electronic ink, electronic inkfilm, and other products and provides internet of things application services. EInk Holdings markets its products in Asia, America, and other regions. Entered into a reseller partnership with DATA MODUL (Germany), a reputable manufacturer of embedded, touch, and display monitors, with an emphasis on the U.S. and European markets.
• In March 2021, NovaCentrix provides next-generation, smart packaging processing tools and conductive inks for sensors, displays, and energy storage. Invented and brought to market novel materials, inks, and photonic curing technologies for flexible printed electronics.

*Definition: South Korea printed electronics market refers to the sector within the country's electronics industry that specializes in the manufacturing, development, and utilization of electronic devices and components produced through printing technologies. Printed electronics involve the fabrication of electronic circuits, components, and systems using printing methods such as inkjet printing, screen printing, flexography, and gravure printing. These techniques enable the deposition of electronic materials, such as conductive inks, semiconductors, and dielectric materials, onto flexible substrates like plastic, paper, or even textiles. The South Korean printed electronics market encompasses various applications, including flexible displays, RFID tags, sensors, lighting, photovoltaics, and smart packaging. South Korea is a significant player in the global printed electronics industry, with advanced manufacturing capabilities, strong research and development infrastructure, and a robust ecosystem of companies, universities, and research institutions driving innovation in this field.

• By Device
  • Displays
  • Sensors
  • Batteries
  • RFID Tags
  • Lighting
• By Material
  • Substrates
  • Inks
  • Transistors
  • Batteries
  • Sensors
• By End-use Industry
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Healthcare
  • Smart Packaging
  • Textiles