Jang Seob Yoon
Research expert covering South Korea
Home appliances in South Korea - statistics and facts
Home appliances, sometimes referred to as white goods, are essential to many modern households. Although price and functionality remain key when deciding on purchases, sales trends also suggest other factors are taken into consideration. Moreover, shifts in the market, such as the increase in single-person households and renting instead of buying, are also shaking up the business landscape.
Consumers are looking for energy efficiency
South Korea’s climate has four distinct seasons, meaning that consumers need to prepare for all sorts of weather conditions. Products that offer climate control functions can help deal with the dry winters and humid summers experienced in the country. Amidst rising energy costs, domestic customers are increasingly turning toward items that boast a good energy efficiency rating to help balance their growing electricity consumption. Additionally, changes to the climate are another point to consider regarding developments in the use of domestic appliances.A wide range of options are available
South Korean manufacturers offer a plethora of options ranging in function, material, and even color. Consumers are making the most of such diversity to suit their individual preferences. For example, sales of stainless-steel washing machines reflected demand for appliances made of hygienic materials, and tumble dryer sales indicated varying tastes regarding color in recent years. Cultural factors also come into play, with clothes stylers proving to be a handy tool to eliminate the lingering smells of food, such as K-BBQ, from jackets and pants.
