Gen Z and Millennials in Korea: Digital Natives Shaping Supplement Purchasing Behavior

The South Korea dietary supplements market, valued at USD 4.15 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.7% from 2025 to 2034, driven by evolving consumer preferences, scientific advancements, and the segmentation of health needs across age, gender, and lifestyle cohorts. This expansion is being channeled through distinct product and application-based segments, each exhibiting unique growth trajectories, innovation cycles, and pricing dynamics. The market can be segmented by product type into vitamins, minerals, herbal and botanical extracts, omega-3 and specialty fatty acids, probiotics, protein and amino acids, and functional compounds such as collagen, lactoferrin, and ginsenosides. It can also be analyzed by application, including immune support, joint and bone health, cognitive function, liver detoxification, weight management, and beauty-from-within (nutricosmetics). Among these, the nutricosmetics segment is witnessing the fastest growth, with a CAGR exceeding 13% over the forecast period, fueled by the convergence of K-beauty culture and internal wellness trends. Collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidant blends are increasingly marketed as essential components of skin health regimens, particularly among women aged 25–45.
Vitamins and minerals remain the largest segment by revenue, accounting for over 32% of market value in 2024, due to widespread awareness of deficiencies and government-led fortification initiatives. Vitamin D, in particular, has seen a surge in demand, with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reporting that over 70% of adults have suboptimal serum levels. This has led to a proliferation of high-dose, once-daily formulations and combination products with calcium and K2 for bone health. Herbal and botanical extracts, especially Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng), hold a dominant cultural position and represent over 18% of total sales. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) recognizes over 80 ginseng-based health functional foods, many of which are clinically studied for fatigue reduction and immune modulation. Probiotics are another high-growth category, driven by rising awareness of gut microbiome health, with strains such as Lactobacillus plantarum K8 and Bifidobacterium longum BB536 gaining popularity for digestive and metabolic benefits.
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Opportunities are emerging in personalized nutrition, where AI-driven algorithms analyze biometrics, diet, and genetic data to recommend tailored supplement regimens. Companies like GenomicTree and Theragen Etex are partnering with supplement brands to offer DNA-based wellness kits. The integration of supplements into subscription models and smart dispensers is also gaining momentum, improving adherence and customer lifetime value. Trends indicate a shift toward clean-label, plant-based, and sustainably sourced ingredients, reflecting broader ESG expectations.
The competitive landscape is defined by technological integration and brand strength.
- Amorepacific Corporation
- Kolmar Korea
- LG Household & Health Care
- Hanlim Pharmaceutical
- Daewoong Pharmaceutical
- CJ CheilJedang
- Pharmaton (distributed by GSK)
- Samsung Biologics (nutraceutical division)
These firms are differentiating through application-specific growth strategies, such as Amorepacific’s focus on beauty-from-within and Daewoong’s leadership in probiotic strains. As product differentiation and segment-wise performance become critical differentiators, the ability to deliver clinically validated, consumer-centric, and scalable solutions will determine long-term market leadership.
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