South Korea Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) Market Size and Share Outlook: Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2026-2035)

South Korea CDMO Market Overview

The South Korea CDMO market plays a vital role in scaling biopharmaceutical production, reducing time-to-market, and supporting the country's growing role as a global biologics manufacturing hub. Driven by supportive policy frameworks, private sector expansion, and strong global partnerships, South Korea’s CDMO industry is central to improving healthcare access and competitiveness across international pharmaceutical supply chains. The South Korean government has established policies that provide incentives for the growth of the biopharmaceutical industry. These include funding for research and development, favorable tax policies for foreign direct investment, and regulatory support for biopharmaceutical companies. This environment has led to the establishment of numerous CDMO facilities that cater to both local and international clients.

South Korea CDMO Market Growth Drivers

Implementation of National Strategies to Position Korea Among Global Biopharma Leaders

Supportive industrial policy, rising biologics demand, and a skilled R&D workforce are key market drivers. For instance, as part of its Third Five-Year Comprehensive Plan announced in 2023, South Korea aims to be one of the world’s top six pharmaceutical powerhouses by 2027. The plan emphasizes doubling biopharma exports and expanding clinical trials nationwide. This policy is likely to foster innovation, increase investment, and accelerate the CDMO sector’s market value throughout the forecast period.

Strategic Collaborations Enhancing Infrastructure and Innovation to Boost South Korea CDMO Market Demand

Increasing partnerships between local and global players are improving capabilities and operational scale. For instance, in July 2024, Lotte Biologics and Merck KGaA announced a partnership at the Songdo Bio Campus, focusing on joint lab operations and securing raw material supply chains. This collaboration is expected to strengthen South Korea’s domestic bioproduction infrastructure, attract biotech ventures, and solidify the nation’s status as a preferred outsourcing destination for biopharma manufacturing during the forecast period.

South Korea CDMO Market Trends

Major market trends include regulatory enhancements and facility expansions supporting industry competitiveness.

Regulatory Reforms Strengthening Export Flexibility and Global Competitiveness

Favorable government policies and deregulation are improving international market access and operational flexibility for CDMOs. For instance, in January 2025, the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare introduced the “Biopharmaceutical CDMO Support Act,” allowing CDMO exports without requiring a pharmaceutical manufacturing license. This reform is expected to eliminate major bottlenecks in logistics and licensing, enabling faster delivery and improving international positioning, thus bolstering market growth through enhanced export efficiency in the forecast period.

High-Value Manufacturing Expansions to Boost South Korea CDMO Market Value

Growing global demand for advanced biologics and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) is fueling facility expansions in South Korea. For instance, in May 2024, Lotte Biologics broke ground on a USD 3.3 billion CDMO mega-plant in Incheon’s Songdo Bio Campus, aiming to boost its biologics capacity to 360,000 liters. This major investment is set to enhance South Korea’s infrastructure competitiveness, create contract opportunities, and significantly increase its share in the global CDMO market over the coming years.

South Korea CDMO Market Share

Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Companies Leading the Segment by End User

Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies are expected to hold the largest share in market by end user. It is expected a value of nearly USD 149.79 billion by 2034, owing to a growing demand for biologics, biosimilars, and precision medicines. With increased government funding and industry-focused incentives, more Korean drug developers are outsourcing complex processes to CDMOs. Additionally, the rise of domestic biopharma players like Samsung Biologics and Lotte Biologics has expanded demand for GMP-compliant, scalable manufacturing solutions. Meanwhile, medical device firms and others contribute modestly, and are expected to witness a CAGR of 10.6% during the forecast period.

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Purchase the Regional Overview for USD 1099

If you choose to purchase the full report at a later stage, the amount already paid will be adjusted, and you will only need to pay the remaining balance.

Leading Players in the South Korea CDMO Market

Other key players in the market include Pfizer Inc., Samsung Biologics Co., Ltd., Lonza Group, CELLTRION INC., WuXi AppTec, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Nipro Pharma Corporation, B. Braun SE, and WuXi Biologics.

South Korea CDMO Market Segmentation

Key Questions Answered in the South Korea CDMO Market

• What was the South Korea CDMO market value in 2025?
• What is the South Korea CDMO market forecast outlook for 2026-2035?
• What are the major factors aiding the South Korea CDMO market demand?
• How has the market performed so far, and how is it anticipated to perform in the coming years?
• What are the market's major drivers, opportunities, and restraints?
• What are the major South Korea CDMO market trends?
• Which service type will lead the market segment?
• Which application will lead the market segment?
• Who are the key players involved in the South Korea CDMO market?
• What are the current unmet needs and challenges in the market?
• How are partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions among the key market players shaping the market dynamics?