South Korea Eyewear Market Overview, 2031

Eyewear in South Korea has evolved alongside the country’s rapid urbanization, technological advancement, and strong emphasis on education and digital lifestyles, with corrective lenses and frames becoming widely adopted during the late 20th century as access to optometry services expanded across metropolitan and regional areas. South Korea has developed a highly modern and trend-driven eyewear market, supported by advanced optical manufacturing capabilities and a strong retail network concentrated in major cities. A large share of the population relies on prescription glasses or contact lenses, driven by high rates of myopia associated with intensive academic activity, prolonged screen exposure, and widespread digital device usage. Demand patterns in South Korea reflect a balance between functional vision correction and fashion-forward consumption, as eyewear is commonly viewed as a key personal style accessory. Slim, lightweight frames, transparent and minimalist designs, and frequently updated styles are particularly popular. Extensive use of smartphones, computers, and gaming devices has significantly increased demand for anti-reflective, blue-light filtering, and eye-fatigue-reducing lenses. Sunglasses demand is also supported by outdoor leisure activities and rising fashion influence, although corrective eyewear remains the dominant segment. Optical retail stores and chain outlets remain the primary purchasing channels, valued for professional eye testing and fast turnaround times, while online eyewear platforms and mobile-based shopping are expanding rapidly, supported by tech-savvy consumers and virtual try-on tools. Sustainability is gradually gaining importance, with growing interest in durable materials and environmentally responsible production. From a regulatory standpoint, eyewear and optical devices in South Korea are regulated under national medical device regulations, ensuring strict standards for safety, performance, and labeling.

According to the research report ""South Korea Eyewear Market Overview, 2031,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Eyewear market is expected to reach a market size of USD 4.74 Billion by 2031. The South Korean eyewear market is expected to continue steady growth, supported by demographic trends, lifestyle factors, and continuous innovation in product design and retail experience. While population aging is a structural driver increasing demand for reading glasses and progressive lenses, high levels of myopia among children, students, and working professionals will remain a core demand driver for prescription eyewear. Technological innovation is strongly influencing the market, with South Korea at the forefront of integrating smart features into eyewear, including audio-enabled frames, fitness tracking, and early-stage augmented reality applications. These developments align with the country’s advanced digital infrastructure and high consumer acceptance of wearable technology. Collaborations between domestic eyewear brands and global technology companies are expected to accelerate the commercialization of smart glasses with sleek, fashion-oriented designs. Customization is a growing opportunity, as consumers increasingly seek eyewear tailored to face shape, comfort, and personal aesthetics, supported by digital measurement tools and rapid manufacturing. Occupational and protective eyewear demand remains stable, supported by national workplace safety standards across manufacturing, construction, and electronics industries. Sustainability is expected to gain greater traction over time, as younger consumers prioritize eco-conscious brands and responsible material sourcing. Together, these factors position the South Korean eyewear market for balanced growth, characterized by high myopia-driven demand, fast-changing fashion cycles, technological leadership, and strong integration of digital innovation into everyday eyewear solutions.

Spectacles dominate the South Korean eyewear market due to the high prevalence of vision issues such as myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia, which are widespread across all age groups. The country has one of the highest rates of myopia globally, particularly among school-aged children and young adults, driven by extensive near-work activities, prolonged screen exposure, and academic pressures. This has fueled demand for corrective lenses, with single-vision lenses remaining common, while progressive and multifocal lenses are increasingly preferred by older consumers seeking seamless vision correction across multiple distances. Rising awareness of digital eye strain, a result of heavy use of smartphones, computers, and tablets, has led to strong demand for lenses with anti-glare and blue-light filtering features. Sunglasses represent a growing segment, valued not only for UV protection but also as fashion and lifestyle accessories, reflecting the country’s strong emphasis on appearance and style. Premium and designer eyewear brands have seen increasing adoption among urban populations in cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, where consumers seek high-quality products that combine function with fashion. Contact lenses are experiencing rapid growth, particularly among young, urban, and active consumers who prioritize convenience, mobility, and cosmetic appeal. Innovations such as daily disposables, toric lenses for astigmatism, and multifocal lenses have broadened usage, encouraged frequent replacement cycles, and expanded penetration in urban markets. Additionally, emerging categories such as protective eyewear, sports glasses, and smart eyewear are gaining traction, driven by safety-conscious individuals, athletes, and technology enthusiasts. South Korea’s high disposable incomes, strong focus on preventive healthcare, urbanized lifestyle, and fashion-conscious population have collectively contributed to a highly dynamic and diversified eyewear market that balances functional, aesthetic, and lifestyle-driven consumption.

Distribution channels in South Korea are diverse, reflecting how consumers balance convenience, service, and style when purchasing eyewear. Optical stores, including national chains and independent practices, remain the primary channel, providing professional services such as eye exams, lens fitting, frame adjustments, and personalized consultations, which are highly valued for prescription eyewear. Independent brand showrooms cater to premium and designer segments, offering curated collections and personalized experiences that emphasize quality, craftsmanship, and exclusivity, appealing to fashion-conscious urban consumers. Online stores are among the fastest-growing channels, leveraging virtual try-on tools, prescription uploads, home try-on kits, and competitive pricing to attract tech-savvy and convenience-oriented buyers, particularly in metropolitan areas. Retail stores, including department stores and large-format outlets, primarily serve casual and price-conscious consumers by offering accessible frames, sunglasses, and basic prescription eyewear. The South Korean eyewear market is evolving toward an omnichannel model, integrating digital innovation with in-store expertise to provide seamless shopping experiences. Factors such as urbanization, lifestyle-driven consumption, high fashion awareness, rising screen exposure, and adoption of technologically advanced products continue to create opportunities for both established and emerging brands, positioning South Korea as a mature, trend-sensitive, and rapidly evolving eyewear market in East Asia.

The South Korean eyewear market exhibits strong differentiation across gender segments, driven by fashion trends, technological awareness, and lifestyle preferences. Men’s eyewear in South Korea continues to have high demand for functional, durable, and performance-oriented frames, including classic prescription glasses, sports frames, and aviators designed for comfort, reliability, and everyday use. In addition to functional requirements, South Korean male consumers increasingly seek stylish, sleek, and modern frames that reflect personal style, professional image, and social status, fueling demand for designer and trend-focused offerings. Women’s eyewear in South Korea is heavily influenced by fashion trends, aesthetics, and brand perception, with glasses and sunglasses treated as key accessories that complement outfits and overall personal style. Popular designs include oversized frames, cat-eye shapes, minimalist metal frames, bold colors, and luxury-branded collections, leading to repeat purchases and active engagement with new trends. The unisex segment is growing steadily, especially among younger, urban, and fashion-conscious consumers who prefer versatile, gender-neutral designs. These frames often feature neutral tones, adjustable sizing, and minimalist styles, offering a combination of practicality and style suitable for a wide audience. The children’s segment, though smaller in market share, is expanding due to rising awareness of pediatric eye health, prolonged screen exposure among children, and parental focus on comfort, durability, and UV protection. Children’s frames are designed to be lightweight, flexible, and visually appealing, promoting consistent use and proper eye care. Across all gender segments, online retail platforms, virtual try-on technologies, and home trial programs are reshaping consumer behavior by offering convenience, variety, and accessibility. Additionally, sustainability and eco-conscious production practices are increasingly influencing consumer choices among environmentally aware buyers.

The South Korean eyewear market is segmented by price into low, medium, and premium tiers, each targeting specific consumer needs and purchasing behavior. Low-priced eyewear caters to budget-conscious consumers, students, and first-time buyers who seek affordability while maintaining essential vision correction and basic protective features. This segment has grown with the proliferation of online retail and direct-to-consumer brands, offering functional and stylish frames with UV protection and standard lens coatings at accessible prices. Medium-priced eyewear represents the largest segment in South Korea, appealing to consumers seeking a balance between durability, fashion, and functional enhancements, including anti-reflective coatings, blue-light filtering, and ergonomic designs. Brands in this tier compete based on perceived value, quality, and style relevance, offering attractive, reliable frames that satisfy mainstream consumer expectations. Premium eyewear targets aspirational buyers, fashion-conscious individuals, and those seeking high-end designer brands, superior craftsmanship, and exclusivity. Products in this segment include luxury sunglasses, technologically advanced lenses, and limited-edition frames, commanding higher prices due to quality, brand reputation, and innovative design. Across all price tiers, online retail continues to influence consumer behavior, offering convenience, wider selection, and transparency in pricing. Demand remains robust across all segments, driven by growing interest in protective eyewear, blue-light-blocking lenses, and fashionable designs. Price segmentation is a key factor in guiding brand strategies, meeting diverse consumer expectations, and sustaining growth by balancing affordability, quality, and style across low, medium, and premium tiers in the South Korean eyewear market.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031

Aspects covered in this report
• Eyewear Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Spectacles
• Sunglasses
• Contact lenses
• Other product types ( Eye care )

By Distribution Channel
• Optical Stores
• Independent Brand Showrooms
• Online Stores
• Retail Stores 

By Gender
• Men
• Women
• Unisex
• Kids

By Price Range
• Premium
• Medium
• Low Show more