The South Korea functional water market was valued at USD 217.55 Million in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.40%, reaching USD 303.92 Million by 2035. The market growth is driven by increasing preference for enhanced hydration, growing health-conscious population, and product innovation by beverage companies.
Base Year
Historical Period
Forecast Period
The market is witnessing robust growth, driven by rising health awareness, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing preference for convenient, nutrient-enhanced hydration solutions. These factors are significantly expanding consumer adoption and fueling overall market expansion.
Emerging trends such as the demand for vitamin-infused water, mineral-enriched formulations, and zero-calorie variants, alongside a shift toward sustainable packaging, are reshaping the competitive landscape and prompting manufacturers to innovate and diversify their product offerings.
Prominent domestic beverage companies, global wellness brands, and health-centric startups are actively contributing to market growth through strategic investments in product development, targeted marketing, and expanded retail distribution networks, thereby enhancing market penetration and consumer engagement.
Compound Annual Growth Rate
3.4%
Value in USD Million
2026-2035
*this image is indicative*
Functional water is gaining popularity for its added health benefits, often enhanced with vitamins, minerals, or other bioactive compounds that target specific wellness needs. It appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking convenient hydration alternatives without added sugars or calories. In South Korea, the functional water market is experiencing strong momentum, driven by rising health awareness, busy lifestyles, and increasing demand for fortified beverages. The market is supported by continuous product innovation and the expansion of premium and customized hydration solutions catering to diverse consumer preferences.
Rising Diabetes Prevalence to Drive Market Growth
The increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions, particularly diabetes, is a key driver of the South Korean functional water market. According to a study by Se Eun Park et al. 2025, the diabetes rate among Korean adults aged 30 and older reached 15.5% during 2021-2022. With only 32.4% of patients achieving optimal blood glucose control, demand for health-supportive beverages such as functional water, enriched with minerals, antioxidants, and glucose-regulating ingredients, is rising. This shift in consumer preferences is significantly boosting market growth.
Some of the notable trends in the market include the implementation of enhanced water safety protocols and the growing adoption of smart factory technologies.
Unique Flavours and Eco-Friendly Packaging Are Driving the Market Growth of Functional Water
Manufacturers have adopted sustainable design strategies in response to consumers' growing preference for goods with sustainable packaging. Functional drinks are kept safe and fresh from fill to usage owing to eco-friendly packaging. The aseptic technique eliminates the need for refrigeration. These products are shelf-stable and preservative-free. The young consumer base, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are more attracted to novel flavours, which fits nicely with young consumers' inclination for a taste exploration. Brands are now trying to see how customers react to bizarre variants to continue to excite consumers and reach out to new ones. Additionally, during the projected forecast period, sales of functional water may expand more rapidly through online retail channels than through conventional distribution channels like supermarkets and speciality stores. The market expansion of functional water in South Korea is fuelled by rising disposable income and high standard of living, which boosts the demand for premium products.
Adoption of Smart Technologies to Boost South Korea Functional Water Market Value
The increasing adoption of smart manufacturing is reshaping South Korea's market. For instance, in June 2025, OVIO, a major OEM/ODM water purifier manufacturer, highlighted its advanced smart factory infrastructure aimed at optimizing sustainable production and R&D efficiency. With over 70% of its products exported, OVIO’s innovation-driven model reflects Korea’s growing reputation for high-quality water purification technologies. This trend is likely to accelerate market growth by enhancing product quality, operational efficiency, and global competitiveness.
Flavored Waters Expected to Dominate Market Segmentation by Type
Based on type, functional water is broadly categorized into flavored and unflavored. Among these, flavored water is expected to lead the market. Flavored waters are enriched with fruit extracts, herbs, or other functional ingredients, while unflavored variants focus on health benefits without altering taste. In 2024, Perfetti Van Melle partnered with Nongshim to launch Mentos sparkling water in fruity flavors, highlighting the trend toward enjoyable, health-focused drinks. This shift is largely fueled by millennials and Gen Z consumers seeking flavorful hydration, positioning flavored functional water as the dominant segment in the evolving South Korean market.
The key features of the market report comprise strategic initiatives by the leading players. The major companies in the market are as follows:
PepsiCo Inc. is a global leader in the beverage industry, actively participating in the functional water market. The company’s portfolio includes innovative offerings like Gatorade Fast Twitch Energy Drink and Rockstar Unplugged™, which blend functional benefits, such as energy enhancement, hydration, and stress relief, with appealing flavors. Its functional beverages align with rising global wellness trends, reflecting its strategic focus on health-oriented hydration solutions.
Danone S.A., a global leader in the packaged water segment, plays a significant role in the market through its diversified portfolio, including brands like evian and Volvic. These natural mineral waters are enriched with minerals, light natural flavors, and offered in innovative formats such as Volvic Zest Peach. Though not specific to South Korea, Danone’s commitment to promoting healthy hydration through premium, functional water products underpins its active involvement in global hydration solutions and market growth.
Nestlé S.A., a global leader in food and beverages, actively contributes to the functional water market through its NESTLÉ PURE LIFE product line. Offering a variety of enhanced bottled water options such as the 330 ml FIT, 500 ml, and 1500 ml bottles, the brand promotes healthy hydration with zero calories, no sweeteners, and added minerals for a crisp taste. Nestlé's continued innovation in low-calorie, mineral-enriched water supports the growing global demand for health-conscious beverages.
The Coca-Cola Company, a global leader in the beverage industry, has strengthened its presence in the functional water market through its enhanced water brand, vitamin water. In 2025, the brand underwent a bold redesign and introduced new functional variants such as “elevate” (blue raspberry limeade with multivitamins) and “re-hydrate zero sugar” (pineapple passionfruit with electrolytes). These innovations reflect the company’s commitment to offering health-oriented hydration solutions and maintaining relevance in a competitive market driven by demand for functional, ingredient-enriched beverages.
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other key players in the market are The Alkaline Water Co. and others.
"South Korea Functional Water Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Type
Market Breakup by Ingredient
Market Breakup by Packaging
Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
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*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
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| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2019-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
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| Breakup by Type |
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| Breakup by Ingredient |
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| Breakup by Packaging |
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| Breakup by Distribution Channel |
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| Market Dynamics |
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| Supplier Landscape |
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| Companies Covered |
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