The South Korea wastewater treatment market growth is driven by the emerging technologies for water treatment to meet the growing demand for potable water amidst the rising population. Wastewater treatment is a vital process aimed at purifying liquid effluent to produce suitable water for reuse or safe discharge back into the water cycle. This critical process safeguards water resources, public health, and environmental sustainability. Various treatment methods, including physical, chemical, and biological processes, are employed to remove contaminants and ensure that the treated water meets stringent quality standards.
Fig: South Korea Amount and Rate of Wastewater Reuse, 2008-2018

In 2010, the Korean government implemented legislation to encourage the reuse of treated wastewater as a valuable water resource. Technological advancements and innovative solutions have led to increased utilisation of wastewater, particularly in supplying high-quality industrial water to address water shortages caused by severe droughts in agricultural and industrial areas. This policy has significantly boosted the volume and proportion of wastewater reuse from 2008 to 2018, benefiting wastewater treatment plants, river maintenance, industrial operations, agriculture, and other sectors. Suwon City is set to construct a wastewater reuse facility by 2025, capable of purifying 325,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily to supply industrial water to businesses in Suwon and nearby regions.
As populations increase, the demand for water—both fresh and processed—is on the rise, driven by technological advancements. Recently, the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) introduced a sustainable sewage treatment system that reduces energy consumption by about 60%. Known as the low-energy DAF system, it operates at Ilsan Water Quality Restoration Centre in Goyang-si, treating 300 tons of wastewater daily using only 3.3 kW of energy. This innovation supports water conservation efforts amid freshwater scarcity, with potential applications across various sectors, including industrial wastewater treatment and carbon reduction initiatives.
In 2018, South Korea enacted the Water Management Act, establishing a water management committee to oversee operations and develop action plans addressing water-related issues. This legislation bolstered wastewater research and development, with increased investment from the Ministry of Environment focusing on water technology to stimulate growth in the water treatment market. The government has delegated a significant portion of waste management to the private sector, aiming to reduce inefficiencies and achieve sustainable industry growth, including a 50% reduction in sector electricity usage by optimizing river basin utilities by 2030 for enhanced service quality.
In numerous regions globally, large quantities of untreated or minimally treated wastewater are discharged, posing environmental degradation and health hazards. Improperly treated wastewater can spread diseases, potentially accelerating the transmission of communicable illnesses like COVID-19. Water scarcity crisis in many countries highlights the urgent need to address water pollution and conservation, presenting substantial growth opportunities for wastewater treatment market players.
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Market Breakup by Process, Type, and Application:
- The market is segmented based on process into primary treatment, secondary treatment, and tertiary treatment.
- Based on type, the market can be divided into membrane separation, biological, disinfection, and sludge treatment, among others.
- By application, the market is segmented into municipal, industrial, and agricultural.
Key Findings of the Report:
- The South Korea wastewater treatment market is driven by the increasing demand for water amidst rising population in the country.
- The wastewater treatment process is witnessing an integration of emerging technology, aiding the market development in the country.
- Increasing government initiatives at improving the wastewater reuse and treatment along with increasing investments to augment the rising population’s demand for safe drinking water are driving the market growth.
Key Offerings of the Report:
- The EMR report gives an overview of the South Korea wastewater treatment market for the periods (2018-2023) and (2024-2032).
- The report also offers historical (2018-2023) and forecast (2024-2032) market information for the process, type, and application of wastewater treatment in South Korea.
- The report analyses the market dynamics, covering the key demand and price indicators in the market, along with providing an assessment of the SWOT and Porter’s Five Forces models.
The major players in the South Korea wastewater treatment market are TSK Water Co., LTD., BKT CO., LTD., Hansu Co., Ltd. (Kurita), Veolia Environnement, SUEZ Group, Krohne Messtechnik GmbH, YUCHON ENVIRO CO., LTD., PHILOS Co.,Ltd., and KOReD Co.LTD, 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:
|
Breakup by Process |
- Primary Treatment
- Secondary Treatment
- Tertiary Treatment
|
Breakup by Type |
- Membrane Separation
- Biological
- Disinfection
- Sludge Treatment
- Others
|
Breakup by Application |
- Municipal
- Industrial
- Agricultural
|
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 |
- TSK Water Co., LTD.
- BKT CO., LTD.
- Hansu Co., Ltd. (Kurita)
- Veolia Environnement
- SUEZ Group
- Krohne Messtechnik GmbH
- YUCHON ENVIRO CO., LTD.
- PHILOS Co.,Ltd.
- KOReD Co.LTD
- Others
|
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