South Korea Rayon Fibers Market Overview, 2030

South Korea is both a producer and consumer of rayon, with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability. The country’s market is highly integrated with advanced manufacturing technologies and significant domestic consumption, along with robust export markets for rayon-based products. The country’s textile industry adheres to international quality standards set by organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ensuring high manufacturing standards for rayon production. This includes regulations under the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) that govern the use of chemicals, wastewater treatment, and air emissions in rayon production. South Korea has introduced initiatives encouraging the use of cleaner technologies in rayon production, such as the lyocell process, which uses non-toxic solvents and recycles water, significantly reducing the environmental footprint. South Korean consumers, known for their high fashion standards and trend-driven preferences, appreciate rayon for its soft feel and drapability, qualities that are ideal for fluid garments. South Korean manufacturers are increasingly incorporating rayon into blended fabrics, where it is mixed with cotton, spandex, or polyester to enhance the fiber’s stretchability and durability while maintaining its natural feel. With a highly urbanized population, especially in Seoul, the demand for premium rayon garments is increasing, particularly for formal and semi-formal wear that combines style and comfort. The young population, influenced by K-pop culture and the global rise of sustainable fashion, is an important demographic pushing the adoption of ethically produced textiles.

According to the research report South Korea Rayon Fiber Market Overview, 2030, published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Rayon Fiber market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 660 Million by 2030. South Korea is a major player in the global textile trade, and rayon fibers are a significant part of this export landscape. Its raw material, wood cellulose, is obtained by cutting down trees, causing deforestation, which is a major environmental problem. South Korean manufacturers employ advanced viscose production techniques, with a focus on reducing chemical waste, water consumption, and carbon emissions. Lyocell technology, which uses non-toxic solvents and recycles over 99% of the chemicals, is seeing increased adoption as the demand for sustainable fabrics rises in South Korea and globally. The South Korean rayon export market has benefited from the country's technological expertise in producing high-quality fabrics, including rayon-based blends. Imports of wood pulp and raw materials for rayon production have been increasing, with China and Russia being the top suppliers. The rising demand for eco-friendly and a sustainable fiber globally has positioned South Korea well, as manufacturers adopt lyocell production technologies to meet this growing trend. South Korea’s ability to produce high-quality rayon at competitive prices, coupled with the market’s flexibility in adapting to diverse consumer demands, is a significant advantage. South Korea has made strides in adopting more eco-friendly practices, environmental regulations are becoming stricter, and manufacturers must invest heavily in cleaner technologies to remain compliant. The threats facing the South Korean rayon fiber market are primarily linked to regulatory pressures and raw material scarcity. Tighter environmental regulations, both locally and globally, are compelling manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices, which could increase costs in the short term.

Viscose fibers are popular due to their silky feel, drapability, and moisture-wicking properties, making them an attractive choice for apparel and home textiles. The humid, temperate climate of South Korea, with hot summers and cold winters, creates a demand for breathable fabrics like viscose that can provide comfort across seasonal transitions. In the summer, viscose fabrics are preferred for lightweight garments such as blouses, dresses, and skirts due to their ability to breathe and keep the wearer cool. In winter, viscose is blended with wool or polyester to create warmer fabrics suitable for outerwear and winter fashion. Lyocell is produced through a solvent-spinning process using non-toxic solvents, and the closed-loop production recycles water and chemicals, making it a much greener option compared to viscose and modal. Given South Korea's growing focus on eco-conscious consumer behavior and sustainability, lyocell has seen increasing adoption in high-end apparel, activewear, and luxury fashion. South Korean manufacturers have been increasingly focusing on lyocell as a core product for the future. The country's push towards green innovation in textiles has created a favorable environment for lyocell adoption. Major manufacturers are investing in advanced lyocell production technologies, such as those developed by companies like Lenzing (with their TENCEL® Lyocell brand), which utilizes a closed-loop production process that minimizes waste and chemical usage.

The country’s fashion-forward culture, especially in Seoul, where style is often driven by the K-pop and K-beauty trends, heavily influences the demand for rayon-based fabrics. Viscose, modal, and lyocell fibers are used in a variety of garments, from casual wear to high-end fashion. Rayon’s ability to mimic the look and feel of silk while being cost-effective makes it especially popular for dresses, blouses, skirts, and suited apparel. Rayon is frequently blended with cotton, spandex, and polyester to create textiles that are both functional and aesthetic. Rayon-cotton blends are commonly used in casual wear for their softness and comfort, while rayon-polyester blends offer durability and low-maintenance care, making them a staple in everyday garments. Curtains and blinds made from rayon fibers are popular in South Korean homes due to their elegant drapability and ability to diffuse light in aesthetically pleasing ways. South Korea, with its advanced healthcare system and strong emphasis on hygiene, has seen growing demand for rayon-based disposable hygiene products in both domestic and international markets. Rayon fibers are also commonly used in nonwoven fabrics for medical applications, such as hospital gowns, face masks, and sanitary wipes, due to their effective fluid absorption. These include industrial textiles, filters, automotive interiors, and wastewater treatment systems, where rayon’s absorbent and strong yet lightweight properties are useful. Rayon is often used in filters for both air purification and water filtration systems, where its porous nature allows it to trap dust, particles, and other contaminants.

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

Aspects covered in this report
• Rayon Fibers 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
• Viscose
• Modal
• Lyocell
• Others

By Application
• Apparel
• Home Textiles
• Healthcare & Hygiene
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.