The South Korea market size for fragrances and perfumes reached a value of more than USD 456.43 million in 2024. The South Korean fragrances and perfume market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of USD 791.16 million by 2034. This growth is driven by various factors including a booming beauty and personal care sector, changing consumer preferences, and the increasing influence of e-commerce. With rising interest in premium and personalized fragrances, South Korea is emerging as a significant market for both global and local fragrance brands. In this blog post, we will explore the key segments, trends, and developments shaping the fragrance and perfume market in South Korea from 2025 to 2034.

Market Overview

Fragrances and perfumes have become an essential part of South Korean beauty routines, representing a blend of cultural influences, luxury, and personal expression. The fragrance industry in South Korea is a dynamic and growing segment of the broader beauty and personal care market, which has seen significant shifts in recent years. Increasing disposable income, a growing middle class, and heightened awareness about personal grooming are some of the key drivers behind this surge in fragrance demand.

South Korean consumers are increasingly inclined to invest in fragrances, seeking products that offer not only pleasing scents but also emotional experiences. The influence of K-beauty trends, the rise of skincare-first routines, and the growing importance of personal branding have created fertile ground for fragrance consumption. Both luxury and mass-market perfumes are seeing strong sales, with online retail becoming a key distribution channel for younger, tech-savvy consumers.

Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Type

The South Korean fragrance market is diverse, with a wide range of products catering to different consumer preferences and price points. The key product types are:

• Parfum or Extrait: These are the most concentrated forms of fragrance, typically containing between 15-30% perfume oil. Parfums offer a rich, long-lasting scent and are considered luxury items. As the demand for high-end products continues to rise in South Korea, more consumers are turning to parfum or extrait for exclusive and sophisticated fragrances.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP): Eau de Parfum is the most popular fragrance category in South Korea. It contains a lower concentration of perfume oils (usually between 10-20%) than parfum but offers good longevity and sillage. EDPs are accessible luxury products, and their popularity is driven by global brands that resonate with South Korean consumers.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT): With a lighter fragrance concentration (5-10% perfume oils), Eau de Toilette is an everyday fragrance option, more affordable and often used for casual or daily wear. EDT is popular among younger consumers and those who prefer a more subtle fragrance that doesn’t overwhelm the senses.
• Others: This includes categories such as Eau Fraiche (very diluted fragrance), body sprays, and other lighter fragrance options. These products are typically more affordable and cater to consumers looking for mild, refreshing scents for daily use.

By Type

The fragrance market in South Korea is also categorized by the type of ingredients used in the perfume formulation:

• Natural: There is a growing demand for natural fragrances made from organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases, leading to a surge in demand for natural perfumes free from synthetic chemicals. Natural fragrances are seen as more eco-friendly and less likely to cause skin irritation, which appeals to health-conscious South Korean consumers.
• Synthetic: Synthetic fragrances remain popular due to their cost-effectiveness, long shelf life, and ability to create a wide variety of scents that may not be achievable through natural ingredients. Synthetic perfumes are prevalent in mass-market offerings, providing accessible options for a broader audience.

By Consumer Group

South Korean fragrance consumers are diverse, and the market is segmented based on gender and scent preferences:

• Men: Fragrance consumption among men in South Korea has risen dramatically in recent years. Traditionally, men’s fragrances were limited to a few classic, woody or spicy scents, but today, there is a broad range of options, from fresh citrus to oriental and floral notes. Korean men are increasingly adopting fragrances as part of their grooming routine, with a particular interest in niche and luxury brands.
• Women: Women remain the largest consumer group for fragrances in South Korea. The preference for floral, fruity, and sweet scents is widespread, with many women opting for premium Eau de Parfums for both daily wear and special occasions. There is also a growing trend toward personalizing fragrance choices, with many South Korean women opting for scents that reflect their individual personalities and lifestyles.
• Unisex: Unisex fragrances have gained significant traction in South Korea, particularly among younger consumers. These fragrances combine elements of both masculine and feminine notes, appealing to a broader audience who seek inclusivity and versatility in their scent choices. The growing popularity of unisex perfumes reflects broader shifts toward non-binary fashion and beauty products in the region.

By Distribution Channel

The distribution channels for fragrances in South Korea are evolving rapidly, with both traditional and online sales playing pivotal roles:

• Online Retail: E-commerce is booming in South Korea, with platforms like Coupang, Gmarket, and global players like Amazon driving fragrance sales. Online shopping offers the convenience of home delivery, extensive product range, and often, better deals. Younger consumers, in particular, prefer buying perfumes online due to the ease of accessing a wide variety of global and niche brands.
• Offline Retail: Traditional retail channels, including department stores, fragrance boutiques, and beauty counters, still play a crucial role in the South Korean fragrance market. Major department stores such as Lotte and Shinsegae have dedicated fragrance sections offering luxury and mid-range options. In-store shopping also provides consumers with the opportunity to test and experience scents before purchase, which remains important in fragrance selection.
• Other Channels: Influencer collaborations, pop-up stores, and specialty fragrance shops are emerging as niche channels for fragrance distribution. These stores provide consumers with exclusive, limited-edition products and unique shopping experiences, particularly in urban areas like Seoul.

Key Trends and Developments in the Market

Shift Towards Sustainability

South Korean consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability when it comes to fragrance purchases. This includes demand for eco-friendly packaging, natural ingredients, and sustainable production practices. Many consumers are opting for brands that are transparent about their sourcing and environmental impact.

Personalization

Personalized and bespoke fragrances are gaining popularity, with brands offering customization options that allow consumers to create their own unique scent profiles. This trend is driven by the desire for individual expression and the premium appeal of exclusive, custom-made fragrances.

Celebrity and Influencer Influence

The power of celebrities and influencers in South Korea is undeniable, and fragrance brands are tapping into this trend to boost sales. Collaborations between global fragrance houses and K-pop idols or actors have proven to be successful in driving brand recognition and sales.

Premium and Luxury Fragrances

As South Korean consumers’ disposable incomes rise, there is a growing appetite for premium and luxury fragrances. High-end brands like Chanel, Dior, and Gucci have capitalized on this demand, offering exclusive and limited-edition fragrances that cater to the affluent consumer segment.

Technological Innovations

Technological advancements such as AI-powered fragrance matching, scent devices, and smart fragrances are making waves in the market. These innovations are providing consumers with new ways to explore and interact with fragrances, enhancing the overall fragrance experience.

Competitive Landscape

The South Korean fragrance market is highly competitive, with a mix of global brands and local players vying for market share. Key players include luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as rising local brands such as Amorepacific and LG Household & Health Care. In addition, niche and indie fragrance brands are making inroads into the market by offering unique and personalized products.

Competition is driven by factors such as product quality, brand recognition, pricing, and distribution networks. Companies are also focusing on creating compelling digital marketing campaigns, leveraging social media and influencer collaborations to attract a younger audience.

Market Forecast (2025-2034)

The South Korean fragrance market is expected to experience continued growth, driven by the rising demand for premium and personalized products, the increasing influence of e-commerce, and the growing trend of sustainable beauty. By 2034, the market is forecast to reach USD 791.16 million, with a steady CAGR of 6.3% between 2025 and 2034. This growth presents significant opportunities for both established and emerging brands to capitalize on shifting consumer preferences and market dynamics.