South Korea has a strong health and wellness trend. Wellness techniques include acupuncture, herbal and medicinal teas, meditation, taekwondo, and taekkyeon martial arts, which are widely used for both health maintenance and well-being. Using digital wellness tools and implementing contemporary exercise regimens are also essential components of wellness in South Korea.
In 2022, South Korea’s wellness economy reached a market size of USD 113 billion and it was ranked as the 4th fittest country in the Asia Pacific region and 9th globally. Protein powder is regarded as a wholesome meal and can fulfil the protein demand. South Koreans spend a substantial amount on healthy eating, nutrition, and weight loss. As per Korean beauty standards, being slim and having healthy-looking skin are regarded as beauty parameters. As a result, females generally spend a significant amount on healthcare and skincare, which drives protein the market growth.
Rising investment in product development by companies like Herbalife Korea Co. Ltd. (NYSE: HLF) and Simple Planet supports the South Korea protein powder market growth. In February 2024, Simple Planet, a South Korean business focused on farmed meat, successfully raised USD 6 billion (8 billion Won) in a pre-Series A fundraising round to enhance its technology for producing powdered meat. POSCO Technology Investment, DCP Private Equity, Hyundai Technology Investment, Prologue Ventures, Pathfinder H, and Samho Green Investment were among the investors in Simple Planet's pre-Series A investment round.
The investment aims to facilitate the optimisation of its manufacturing processes, its route to regulatory clearances, and its international expansion. It will also help the company to accelerate its research and development efforts to generate ingredients like powders and fats for cultured meat.
Read more about this report - REQUEST FREE SAMPLE COPY IN PDF
Market Analysis by Type, Nature, and Distribution Channel:
- The market, on the basis of type, can be divided into animal-based and plant-based.
- Based on nature, the market can be divided into organic and conventional.
- The various distribution channels for protein powder include hypermarkets and supermarkets, convenience stores, speciality stores, and online.
Key Findings of the Report:
- The South Korea protein powder market expansion is being aided by government initiatives to promote the production and consumption of plant-based foods through support in the public sector, industry, and research. It becomes the 2nd country to declare a national plan aimed at increasing the production and consumption of locally produced plant-based food.
- According to industry reports, in 2022, South Koreans spent USD 13.5 billion on healthy eating, nutrition, and weight loss, and USD 29.7 billion on physical activities. This stimulates the demand for protein powder.
- South Korea has a growing demand for clean-label and natural food products. As a result, Koreans are opting for GMO-free organic protein powders, especially among millennials and Gen Zs.
- There is an increase in demand for water-based or clear-base beverages with a high protein content. Companies are adding innovative flavours such as sweet potato latte, injeolmi, diet black sesame, and diet brown sugar milk tea, among others, in protein powder.
Figure: Percentage of Sales by Different Components of Wellness Economy of South Korea, 2022

Key Offerings of the Report:
- The EMR report gives an overview of the South Korea protein powder market for the periods (2018-2023) and (2024-2032).
- The report also offers the historical (2018-2023) and forecast (2024-2032) markets for the types, nature, and distribution channels of protein powder in South Korea.
- The report analyses the market dynamics, covering the key demand and price indicators in the market, along with an assessment of the SWOT and Porter’s Five Forces models.
The major players in the South Korea protein powder market are Optimum Nutrition, Amway Korea Ltd., Herbalife Korea Co. Ltd., Sequel Natural LLC. (Vega), and THG Nutrition Limited (Myprotein), among others. The comprehensive report by EMR looks into the market share, capacity, and latest developments like mergers and acquisitions, plant turnarounds, and capacity expansions of the major players.
Key Highlights of the Report
REPORT FEATURES |
DETAILS |
Base Year |
2023 |
Historical Period |
2018-2023 |
Forecast Period |
2024-2032 |
Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
- Type
- Nature
- Distribution Channel
|
Breakup by Type |
|
Breakup by Nature |
|
Breakup by Distribution Channel |
- Hypermarkets and Supermarkets
- Convenience Stores
- Speciality Stores
- Online
|
Market Dynamics |
- SWOT Analysis
- Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- Key Indicators for Demand
- Key Indicators for Price
|
Competitive Landscape |
- Market Structure
- Company Profiles
- Company Overview
- Product Portfolio
- Demographic Reach and Achievements
- Certifications
|
Companies Covered |
- Optimum Nutrition
- Amway Korea Ltd.
- Herbalife Korea Co. Ltd.
- Sequel Natural LLC. (Vega)
- THG Nutrition Limited (Myprotein)
- Others
|
About Us
Expert Market Research (EMR) is a leading market research and business intelligence company, ensuring its clients remain at the vanguard of their industries by providing them with exhaustive and actionable market data through its syndicated and custom market reports, covering over 15 major industry domains. The company's expansive and ever-growing database of reports, which are constantly updated, includes reports from industry verticals like chemicals and materials, food and beverages, energy and mining, technology and media, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and packaging.
EMR leverages its state-of-the-art technological and analytical tools, along with the expertise of its highly skilled team of over a 100 analysts and more than 3000 consultants, to help its clients, ranging from Fortune 1000 companies to small and medium sized enterprises, easily grasp the expansive industry data and help them in formulating market and business strategies, which ensure that they remain ahead of the curve.
Contact Us
Expert Market Research
Website: www.expertmarketresearch.com
Email: [email protected]
US & Canada Phone no: +1-415-325-5166
UK Phone no: +44-702-402-5790