H. Yoo
Research expert covering South Korea
Cement industry in South Korea - statistics & facts
Cement is a key building material worldwide, which is most commonly used as a binding agent in the manufacturing processes of concrete and mortar. The vast majority of construction permits issued in South Korea were for steel-reinforced or framed concrete structures. While South Korea is active in both cement production and trade, most of the cement used within the country is locally produced. This thriving domestic cement manufacturing industry has led to South Korea becoming one of the leading cement producers worldwide.
What types of cement plants are involved in manufacturing cement in South Korea?
There are currently 29 cement plants active in South Korea. The industry is evenly divided among grinding plants and integrated plants. Grinding plants process cement clinker into cement while integrated plants both produce cement clinker and further processes it. There is only one plant focusing solely on cement clinker production, of which there is enough produced locally to cover domestic consumption, with the rest being exported. Cement clinker is generally produced by blending powdered limestone with clay or shale. Due to its vital role in the process of cement manufacturing, limestone mining in South Korea is an important sector.Ssangyong C&E's extensive cement plant network in South Korea
The Seoul-based company Ssangyong C&E was the leading cement producer in South Korea. The company, formerly known as Ssangyong Cement Industrial, operates several cement plants throughout the country, both under its parent company Hahn & Co. and through its own subsidiaries. This extensive network places Ssangyong C&E among the leading cement plant owners in South Korea. Due to the large amounts of water required during the cement manufacturing process, cement plants tend to be located along coastlines or near larger rivers. As a peninsula, South Korea has a long coastline to take advantage of, and as such most cement plants are located in coastal areas.
