South Korea Pharmaceutical Market

The South Korea pharmaceutical market, valued at USD 28.8 billion, is growing due to an aging population, increased R&D in biotechnology, and demand for innovative drugs in oncology and chronic diseases.

Region:Asia

Author(s):Shubham

Product Code:KRAB0822

Pages:95

Published On:August 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

South Korea Pharmaceutical Market Overview

  • The South Korea Pharmaceutical Market is valued at USD 28.8 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. Growth is primarily driven by an aging population, increased healthcare spending, and significant advancements in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The market has seen a surge in demand for innovative drugs and therapies, particularly in oncology and chronic disease management, reflecting the country's commitment to healthcare improvement. Recent trends include expanded clinical trial activity, robust R&D investment, and increased international licensing agreements, positioning South Korea as a leading hub for pharmaceutical innovation .
  • Key players in this market includeSeoul, Busan, and Incheon, which dominate due to their robust healthcare infrastructure, research institutions, and concentration of pharmaceutical companies. Seoul, as the capital, is a hub for innovation and investment, hosting the highest number of clinical trials and smart-hospital projects. Busan and Incheon benefit from strategic locations and access to international markets, supported by special economic zones like the Songdo Bio Cluster, which facilitate manufacturing, R&D, and export activities .
  • The regulatory landscape is shaped by thePharmaceutical Industry Promotion Act, 2023, issued by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). This Act enhances the competitiveness of the domestic pharmaceutical sector by supporting research and development, streamlining approval processes for new drugs, and providing financial incentives for companies investing in innovative therapies. The Act also establishes operational standards for licensing, compliance requirements for clinical trials, and thresholds for R&D tax credits, fostering a dynamic and globally competitive pharmaceutical industry .
South Korea Pharmaceutical Market Size

South Korea Pharmaceutical Market Segmentation

By Drug Type:The drug type segmentation includes Prescription Drugs, Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs, Biologics & Biosimilars, Generics, Orphan Drugs, Vaccines, Cell & Gene Therapies, and Others.Prescription drugsdominate the market, driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and growing demand for specialized treatments. The rise in healthcare expenditure, focus on personalized medicine, and rapid adoption of innovative therapies further bolster growth in this segment. Biologics and biosimilars are expanding rapidly due to South Korea's global leadership in biosimilar manufacturing and export .

South Korea Pharmaceutical Market segmentation by Drug Type.

By Therapeutic Category:The therapeutic category segmentation encompasses Cardiovascular, Oncology, Neurology, Infectious Diseases, Endocrinology (including Diabetes), Gastrointestinal, Respiratory, Rare Diseases, and Others.Oncologyis the leading therapeutic area, driven by the rising incidence of cancer and demand for advanced treatment options. Accelerated MFDS approvals, robust domestic R&D funding, and a focus on precision medicine and targeted therapies contribute to the rapid expansion of this segment. Cardiovascular and neurology drugs also show strong growth, supported by government-led chronic disease awareness programs and increased clinical trial activity .

South Korea Pharmaceutical Market segmentation by Therapeutic Category.

South Korea Pharmaceutical Market Competitive Landscape

The South Korea Pharmaceutical Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Samsung Biologics, Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., LG Chem Ltd., SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Celltrion, Inc., Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corp., Dong-A ST Co., Ltd., Yuhan Corporation, GC Biopharma (formerly Green Cross Corporation), Hanall Biopharma Co., Ltd., Ildong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Medytox Inc., CJ Healthcare (now CJ Wellcare), Bukwang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., AbbVie Korea Ltd., AstraZeneca Korea, Bayer Korea Ltd., GlaxoSmithKline Korea (GSK Korea), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Roche Korea), Bristol Myers Squibb Korea, Eli Lilly Korea, Merck & Co., Inc. (MSD Korea), Sanofi-Aventis Korea contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Samsung Biologics

2011

Incheon, South Korea

Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

1973

Seongnam, South Korea

LG Chem Ltd.

1947

Seoul, South Korea

SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.

2011

Seongnam, South Korea

Celltrion, Inc.

2002

Incheon, South Korea

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Company Size (Large, Medium, Small)

Annual Revenue (KRW/USD)

Revenue Growth Rate (YoY %)

Market Share (%)

R&D Investment as % of Revenue

Number of New Drug Approvals (Last 3 Years)

South Korea Pharmaceutical Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Aging Population:South Korea's population aged 65 and older is projected to reach 9.5 million, accounting for approximately 18.5% of the total population. This demographic shift drives demand for pharmaceuticals, particularly for chronic diseases prevalent in older adults, such as diabetes and hypertension. The government’s focus on geriatric healthcare is expected to increase pharmaceutical spending, which was around $22 billion, further supporting market growth.
  • Rising Healthcare Expenditure:South Korea's healthcare expenditure is anticipated to reach $210 billion, reflecting a steady increase in public and private spending. This growth is fueled by government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and quality. The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) covers a significant portion of pharmaceutical costs, which encourages higher consumption of medications, thereby bolstering the pharmaceutical market's expansion.
  • Advancements in Biotechnology:The South Korean biotechnology sector is projected to grow to $12 billion, driven by innovations in drug development and personalized medicine. The government has invested heavily in biotech research, with funding exceeding $1.8 billion. This investment fosters the development of novel therapies and biologics, enhancing the pharmaceutical landscape and meeting the increasing demand for advanced treatment options.

Market Challenges

  • Stringent Regulatory Environment:The South Korean pharmaceutical market faces a complex regulatory landscape, with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) overseeing drug approvals. The average time for drug approval can exceed 18 months, which can delay market entry for new products. This regulatory rigor, while ensuring safety and efficacy, poses significant challenges for companies aiming to innovate and respond quickly to market needs.
  • High Competition Among Local and Global Players:The South Korean pharmaceutical market is characterized by intense competition, with over 1,600 companies operating in the sector. Major global players, such as Pfizer and Novartis, compete alongside robust local firms like Samsung Biologics. This saturation leads to price wars and increased marketing costs, which can erode profit margins and challenge smaller companies' sustainability in the market.

South Korea Pharmaceutical Market Future Outlook

The South Korean pharmaceutical market is poised for significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. The integration of artificial intelligence in drug development is expected to streamline processes, reducing time-to-market for new therapies. Additionally, the rise of telemedicine and digital health solutions will enhance patient access to medications, fostering a more patient-centric approach in healthcare delivery. These trends indicate a dynamic future for the pharmaceutical sector, with opportunities for innovation and growth.

Market Opportunities

  • Expansion of Biopharmaceuticals:The biopharmaceutical sector in South Korea is projected to grow significantly, with investments in research and development expected to exceed $2.5 billion. This growth presents opportunities for companies to develop innovative biologics and biosimilars, catering to the increasing demand for advanced therapies in chronic disease management.
  • Increased Focus on Personalized Medicine:The shift towards personalized medicine is gaining momentum, with the market for targeted therapies expected to reach $6 billion. This trend is driven by advancements in genomics and biotechnology, allowing for tailored treatment plans that improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs, creating a lucrative opportunity for pharmaceutical companies.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Drug Type

Prescription Drugs

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs

Biologics & Biosimilars

Generics

Orphan Drugs

Vaccines

Cell & Gene Therapies

Others

By Therapeutic Category

Cardiovascular

Oncology

Neurology

Infectious Diseases

Endocrinology (including Diabetes)

Gastrointestinal

Respiratory

Rare Diseases

Others

By Distribution Channel

Retail Pharmacies

Hospital Pharmacies

E-commerce

Wholesalers/Distributors

Others

By End-User

Hospitals

Clinics

Homecare

Research Institutions

Others

By Region

Seoul

Busan

Incheon

Daegu

Gwangju

Daejeon

Ulsan

Others

By Price Range

Low Price

Mid Price

High Price

By Regulatory Compliance

MFDS Approved

FDA Approved

EMA Approved

Others

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service)

Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Producers

Distributors and Wholesalers

Healthcare Providers and Hospitals

Biotechnology Firms

Pharmaceutical Trade Associations

Insurance Companies and Payers

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Samsung Biologics

Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

LG Chem Ltd.

SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.

Celltrion, Inc.

Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corp.

Dong-A ST Co., Ltd.

Yuhan Corporation

GC Biopharma (formerly Green Cross Corporation)

Hanall Biopharma Co., Ltd.

Ildong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Medytox Inc.

CJ Healthcare (now CJ Wellcare)

Bukwang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

AbbVie Korea Ltd.

AstraZeneca Korea

Bayer Korea Ltd.

GlaxoSmithKline Korea (GSK Korea)

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Roche Korea)

Bristol Myers Squibb Korea

Eli Lilly Korea

Merck & Co., Inc. (MSD Korea)

Sanofi-Aventis Korea

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. South Korea Pharmaceutical Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 South Korea Pharmaceutical Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. South Korea Pharmaceutical Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing Aging Population
3.1.2 Rising Healthcare Expenditure
3.1.3 Advancements in Biotechnology
3.1.4 Growing Demand for Generic Drugs

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 Stringent Regulatory Environment
3.2.2 High Competition Among Local and Global Players
3.2.3 Pricing Pressure from Government Policies
3.2.4 Supply Chain Disruptions

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Expansion of Biopharmaceuticals
3.3.2 Increased Focus on Personalized Medicine
3.3.3 Growth in E-commerce for Pharmaceuticals
3.3.4 Collaborations with Research Institutions

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Digital Transformation in Healthcare
3.4.2 Rise of Telemedicine
3.4.3 Emphasis on Preventive Healthcare
3.4.4 Integration of AI in Drug Development

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Drug Approval Process Reforms
3.5.2 Price Control Policies
3.5.3 Promotion of Local Manufacturing
3.5.4 Enhanced Pharmacovigilance Requirements

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. South Korea Pharmaceutical Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. South Korea Pharmaceutical Market Segmentation

8.1 By Drug Type

8.1.1 Prescription Drugs
8.1.2 Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs
8.1.3 Biologics & Biosimilars
8.1.4 Generics
8.1.5 Orphan Drugs
8.1.6 Vaccines
8.1.7 Cell & Gene Therapies
8.1.8 Others

8.2 By Therapeutic Category

8.2.1 Cardiovascular
8.2.2 Oncology
8.2.3 Neurology
8.2.4 Infectious Diseases
8.2.5 Endocrinology (including Diabetes)
8.2.6 Gastrointestinal
8.2.7 Respiratory
8.2.8 Rare Diseases
8.2.9 Others

8.3 By Distribution Channel

8.3.1 Retail Pharmacies
8.3.2 Hospital Pharmacies
8.3.3 E-commerce
8.3.4 Wholesalers/Distributors
8.3.5 Others

8.4 By End-User

8.4.1 Hospitals
8.4.2 Clinics
8.4.3 Homecare
8.4.4 Research Institutions
8.4.5 Others

8.5 By Region

8.5.1 Seoul
8.5.2 Busan
8.5.3 Incheon
8.5.4 Daegu
8.5.5 Gwangju
8.5.6 Daejeon
8.5.7 Ulsan
8.5.8 Others

8.6 By Price Range

8.6.1 Low Price
8.6.2 Mid Price
8.6.3 High Price

8.7 By Regulatory Compliance

8.7.1 MFDS Approved
8.7.2 FDA Approved
8.7.3 EMA Approved
8.7.4 Others

9. South Korea Pharmaceutical Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Company Size (Large, Medium, Small)
9.2.3 Annual Revenue (KRW/USD)
9.2.4 Revenue Growth Rate (YoY %)
9.2.5 Market Share (%)
9.2.6 R&D Investment as % of Revenue
9.2.7 Number of New Drug Approvals (Last 3 Years)
9.2.8 International Market Presence (Number of Countries)
9.2.9 Product Portfolio Breadth (Number of Therapeutic Areas)
9.2.10 Clinical Trial Activity (Number of Ongoing Trials in Korea)
9.2.11 Distribution Network Coverage (Domestic/International)
9.2.12 Employee Count
9.2.13 ESG/Sustainability Ratings (if available)

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 Samsung Biologics
9.5.2 Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
9.5.3 LG Chem Ltd.
9.5.4 SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.
9.5.5 Celltrion, Inc.
9.5.6 Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
9.5.7 Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corp.
9.5.8 Dong-A ST Co., Ltd.
9.5.9 Yuhan Corporation
9.5.10 GC Biopharma (formerly Green Cross Corporation)
9.5.11 Hanall Biopharma Co., Ltd.
9.5.12 Ildong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
9.5.13 Medytox Inc.
9.5.14 CJ Healthcare (now CJ Wellcare)
9.5.15 Bukwang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
9.5.16 AbbVie Korea Ltd.
9.5.17 AstraZeneca Korea
9.5.18 Bayer Korea Ltd.
9.5.19 GlaxoSmithKline Korea (GSK Korea)
9.5.20 F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Roche Korea)
9.5.21 Bristol Myers Squibb Korea
9.5.22 Eli Lilly Korea
9.5.23 Merck & Co., Inc. (MSD Korea)
9.5.24 Sanofi-Aventis Korea

10. South Korea Pharmaceutical Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Ministry of Health and Welfare
10.1.2 Ministry of Food and Drug Safety
10.1.3 Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facilities
10.2.2 Research and Development Investments
10.2.3 Supply Chain Infrastructure

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Hospitals
10.3.2 Clinics
10.3.3 Homecare Providers

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Technology Adoption Levels
10.4.2 Training and Support Needs

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Measurement of Effectiveness
10.5.2 Future Use Cases

11. South Korea Pharmaceutical Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market Gaps Identification

1.2 Business Model Development


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding Strategies

2.2 Product USPs


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail Strategies

3.2 Rural NGO Tie-ups


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes

4.2 Pricing Bands


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps

5.2 Consumer Segments


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs

6.2 After-sales Service


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding

8.3 Distribution Setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix
9.1.2 Pricing Band
9.1.3 Packaging

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 Joint Ventures

10.2 Greenfield Investments

10.3 Mergers & Acquisitions

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements

11.2 Timelines


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership vs Partnerships


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-term Sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 Joint Ventures

14.3 Acquisition Targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Activity Timeline
15.2.2 Milestone Tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of market reports from South Korean pharmaceutical associations and government health agencies
  • Review of published articles in scientific journals focusing on drug development and market trends
  • Examination of financial reports and press releases from leading pharmaceutical companies operating in South Korea

Primary Research

  • Interviews with key opinion leaders (KOLs) in the pharmaceutical industry, including researchers and regulatory experts
  • Surveys conducted with healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and physicians, to gather insights on drug usage and preferences
  • Focus group discussions with patients to understand their experiences and perceptions regarding pharmaceutical products

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of findings through comparison with international pharmaceutical market trends
  • Triangulation of data from primary interviews, secondary research, and market statistics
  • Sanity checks through expert panel reviews involving industry veterans and academic researchers

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of total pharmaceutical market size based on national healthcare expenditure and GDP allocation
  • Segmentation of the market by therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiology, and infectious diseases
  • Incorporation of government healthcare policies and initiatives impacting pharmaceutical sales

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of sales data from major pharmaceutical distributors and retail pharmacies
  • Estimation of market share for various drug classes based on prescription data
  • Volume and pricing analysis for generic versus branded pharmaceuticals

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-factor regression analysis incorporating demographic trends, healthcare access, and technological advancements
  • Scenario modeling based on potential regulatory changes and market entry of new drugs
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic forecasts through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Oncology Drug Prescriptions100Oncologists, Clinical Pharmacists
Cardiovascular Medication Usage80Cardiologists, General Practitioners
Patient Experience with Generic Drugs60Patients, Pharmacists
Market Trends in Biopharmaceuticals50Biotech Researchers, Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Healthcare Policy Impact on Drug Access40Health Economists, Policy Makers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the South Korea pharmaceutical market?

The South Korea pharmaceutical market is valued at approximately USD 28.8 billion, driven by factors such as an aging population, increased healthcare spending, and advancements in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

What are the key growth drivers in the South Korea pharmaceutical market?

Which cities are the main hubs for the pharmaceutical industry in South Korea?

What is the impact of the Pharmaceutical Industry Promotion Act, 2023?

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