South Korea Propylene Glycol Market Overview, 2030

The South Korean propylene glycol (PG) market has grown steadily over the past few decades, reflecting the country’s rapid industrialization, chemical manufacturing capabilities, and regulatory oversight. In the 1980s and 1990s, demand was primarily for industrial-grade PG used in unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) for construction composites, coatings, and adhesives, supporting the expansion of urban infrastructure, manufacturing facilities, and industrial projects. By the 2000s, transportation-related applications such as automotive coolant, antifreeze, and airport/aviation de-icing fluids became increasingly significant, particularly in northern and mountainous regions, due to severe winter conditions; PG was preferred over ethylene glycol because of its lower toxicity and environmental compatibility. In the food and beverage sector, FCC-grade PG found application as a humectant, carrier, and stabilizer in baked goods, confectionery, and beverages, regulated under South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and aligned with Korea Food Code standards. The 2010s saw rapid growth in pharmaceutical and personal care sectors, with USP-grade PG serving as a solvent, excipient, and stabilizer in oral, topical, and injectable formulations, meeting domestic and international regulatory standards. More recently, bio-based PG, derived from glycerin byproducts of biodiesel and other renewable feedstocks, has gained traction in high-value, sustainability-driven applications. Domestic production is concentrated in petrochemical hubs such as Ulsan, Yeosu, and Daesan, while imports from China, Japan, and Europe supplement supply, particularly for specialty and high-purity grades. Overall, the South Korean PG market has evolved from a volume-driven industrial base to a diversified landscape emphasizing high-value, certified, and environmentally conscious applications.

According to the research report ""South Korea propylene glycol Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea propylene glycol market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 170 Million by 2030. The South Korean PG market is shaped by domestic production capacity, feedstock pricing, regulatory oversight, seasonal demand, and sustainability trends. Domestic production is concentrated in petrochemical hubs such as Ulsan, Yeosu, and Daesan, while imports from China, Japan, and Europe supplement specialty-grade requirements. Petroleum-based PG dominates the market, providing cost-efficient, high-volume supply for industrial applications, including UPR, automotive coolants, de-icing fluids, paints, and coatings. Feedstock costs, particularly propylene and propylene oxide (PO), are closely linked to crude oil and natural gas prices, influencing producer margins and contract pricing. Bio-based PG, derived from glycerin or other renewable feedstocks, is a smaller but growing segment, primarily serving pharmaceuticals, personal care, and food applications, driven by sustainability requirements and regulatory compliance. Oversight by the MFDS, Ministry of Environment (MOE), and Korean Chemical Safety regulations ensures safety, labeling, and environmental compliance. Seasonal demand peaks during winter for transportation and aviation applications, requiring effective logistics and inventory management. Distributors and formulators play a key role in providing grade certification, continuity of supply, and technical support for smaller customers. Overall, the South Korean PG market exhibits stable industrial demand, rapid growth in high-value certified applications, sensitivity to feedstock pricing, and increasing emphasis on sustainability and regulatory compliance, creating a dynamic and competitive environment.

In South Korea, propylene glycol consumption is spread across construction, transportation, food and beverages, cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceuticals, and other specialty applications. Construction applications dominate industrial volume, with PG used in UPR resins for composites, coatings, adhesives, and laminates, supporting infrastructure development, industrial projects, and renewable energy installations. Transportation demand includes automotive coolant, antifreeze formulations, and airport/aviation de-icing fluids, particularly in northern and high-altitude regions; PG is preferred due to low toxicity and environmental compliance. Food and beverages utilize FCC-grade PG as a humectant, solvent, and carrier for baked goods, confectionery, beverages, and flavorings, regulated by MFDS standards. Cosmetics and personal care applications employ PG as a humectant and solvent in lotions, creams, haircare, and personal hygiene products, with increasing adoption of bio-based alternatives. Pharmaceutical-grade PG serves as a solvent, stabilizer, and excipient in oral, topical, and injectable formulations, meeting Korean pharmacopeia and international standards. Others include industrial lubricants, heat-transfer fluids, and chemical intermediates, contributing incremental volumes and higher-margin niche opportunities. This diversified end-use profile ensures market resilience, balancing high-volume industrial applications with fast-growing, high-value, certified, and sustainability-focused segments.

The South Korean PG market is dominated by petroleum-based PG, produced domestically in Ulsan, Yeosu, and Daesan, and supplemented by imports from China, Japan, and Europe. Petroleum-based PG provides cost-effective, high-volume supply for industrial applications including UPR, automotive coolants, de-icing fluids, paints, and coatings, benefiting from integrated feedstock availability, large-scale production, and established logistics. Bio-based PG, derived from glycerin byproducts of biodiesel and other renewable feedstocks, is a smaller but growing segment, primarily serving pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care applications where sustainability, regulatory compliance, and green credentials are important. Bio-PG adoption is supported by South Korea’s green chemical policies, environmental incentives, and consumer demand for sustainable products. Though bio-PG is higher-cost and limited in capacity relative to petroleum-based PG, it is gaining market share in high-value, certified applications. Circular economy practices, including glycol recycling in industrial and aviation applications, further enhance bio-PG adoption. Petroleum-based PG is expected to maintain the majority of volume, while bio-based PG grows steadily in specialty and sustainability-focused segments.

In South Korea, propylene glycol is segmented into industrial-grade, pharmaceutical-grade, and other specialty grades, each serving distinct applications. Industrial-grade PG accounts for the largest volume, serving UPR for construction, coatings, adhesives, automotive coolants, and de-icing fluids; buyers prioritize cost efficiency, supply reliability, and bulk logistics, sourcing domestically or via imports. Pharmaceutical-grade PG, produced to Korean pharmacopeia, USP, and international standards, is a smaller but higher-value segment, used as a solvent, excipient, and stabilizer in oral, topical, and injectable formulations; regulatory compliance and batch traceability limit new entrants. The “others” category includes dipropylene and tripropylene glycols, industrial heat-transfer fluids, lubricants, and chemical intermediates, often commanding higher margins due to technical specifications. Grade segmentation impacts logistics, packaging, and supply chain planning: industrial PG is shipped in bulk, whereas pharmaceutical and specialty grades are delivered in drums or IBCs. While industrial-grade PG dominates by volume, pharmaceutical and specialty grades grow faster in revenue, reflecting South Korea’s demand for high-purity, certified, and sustainability-aligned products, balancing large-volume industrial demand with high-value specialty applications.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Propylene Glycol 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 End Use
• Construction
• Transportation
• Food & Beverages
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

By Source
• Petroleum-based
• Bio-based

By Grade
• Industrial Grade
• Pharmaceutical Grade
• Others Show more