Market Boom Fueled by Open Systems & Flavor Innovation
Korean Customs data reveals explosive growth:
-
2024 e-liquid imports soared to $85.64M (≈₩121.5B), up 39.5% YoY.
-
Q1 2025 imports climbed to $17.96M (+8.5% YoY), a 3-year high.
Key drivers:
Open device dominance: Refillables now hold >40% market share, boosting e-liquid repurchase.Regional flavor craze: Southeast Asian-inspired variants (e.g., Mango Ice, Grapefruit Sparkling) drive demand.
Regulatory Limbo: Synthetic Nicotine Bill Stalled
Efforts to regulate synthetic nicotine under Korea’s Tobacco Business Act face delays:
-
Legislative review postponed to September 2025 amid presidential transition and inter-agency disputes.
-
Industry resistance: E-cigarette associations deem existing self-regulation sufficient.
-
Local distributors report minimal operational impact, expecting no near-term enforcement.
Critical note: The Tobacco Harm Control Act (effective Nov 2025) mandates testing for 20 harmful constituents but leaves product access rules unchanged.
Channel Shift: E-commerce Tightens, Offline & Wholesale Expand
Leading platforms adapt proactively:
-
Coupang bans marketplace vape sales from 2025, focusing on compliant direct retail.
-
Unmanned kiosks surge 27% (Seoul/Busan hubs), featuring adult-ID verification tech.
-
Incheon turnover hits 1.8 cycles/month, signaling stockpiling demand.
China Brands: 2 Keys to Unlock Korea
YTOO’s strategic roadmap:
-
Pre-emptive Compliance:
-
Align with 20 harmful constituent tests (phthalates, nitrosamines, etc.).
-
Adopt QR-coded packaging for ingredient disclosure (2026 mandatory).
-
Localized Partnerships:
-
Collaborate with China-licensed tobacco manufacturers for priority access to CU/GS25 convenience chains.
[Report Launch] YTOO’s 2025 Korea E-Vapor Market Deep Dive
Uncover growth levers and blue oceans:
-
Market size, drivers & competitive landscape
-
Disposable vs. bottled e-liquid opportunity analysis
-
Consumer behavior mapping & flavor trend forecasting
Get the Full Report:
Email info@ytoojuice.com with subject:
“Request Korea E-Vapor Report – [Your Company]”
*Sources: Korea Customs, MFDS, Coupang (Jul 2025).
Disclaimer: Information purposes only. Not promotional material.*
