South Korea Sports Equipment Market Research Report, 2029

South Korea's sports equipment history is a testament to its cultural influences, economic development, and technological advancements, reflecting the nation’s evolving engagement with both traditional and modern sports. Traditional sports such as Taekkyeon and Ssireum historically relied on minimal equipment, emphasizing skill and physical capability. However, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the introduction of Western sports, like baseball and soccer, which shifted the landscape toward a more structured approach to sports equipment, with imported goods influencing local markets. Following the Korean War, South Korea experienced rapid industrialization, fostering the growth of domestic sports equipment manufacturing to meet the needs of both amateur and professional athletes. The hosting of the 2018 Winter Olympics further catalyzed interest in winter sports, with projections indicating that the winter sports equipment market could exceed USD 402 million by 2033, driven by increased participation in skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Recently, racket sports such as tennis and badminton have gained popularity among the youth, bolstered by government initiatives promoting physical education and fitness, which is expected to significantly enhance the racket sports equipment market. Additionally, technological integration into sports equipment has become a prominent trend, with innovations like smart balls and connected devices enhancing training and performance analysis. The South Korean sports equipment market is characterized by a dynamic mix of domestic manufacturers and foreign imports, with imports accounting for approximately 61.4% of the market size in 2023, while specialty shops continue to play a vital role in distribution, offering focused product selections and expert advice to consumers. According to the research report, "South Korea Sports Equipment Market Research Report, 2029," published by Actual Market Research, the South Korea Sports Equipment market is anticipated to add to more than USD 2.59 Billion by 2024–29. South Korea’s varied weather conditions make it an ideal market for both summer and winter sports. Popular summer sports, like baseball and soccer, flourish alongside winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, resulting in a year-round demand for specialized sports equipment. The country’s natural features, such as mountains, coastlines, and rivers, further promote outdoor activities, encouraging local and international participation in hiking, skiing, and water sports. This geographic advantage supports a consistent demand for diverse types of sports equipment. Additionally, government investment in sports infrastructure, including the expansion of public fitness centers and sports complexes, is creating an encouraging environment for sports participation. These investments not only improve accessibility but also reinforce a culture of fitness, driving consumer spending on equipment. South Korea’s increasing focus on health and fitness, particularly among younger demographics, is leading to a notable rise in demand for sports equipment. With a growing awareness of the benefits of physical activity, consumers are prioritizing active lifestyles, which fuels spending on fitness and sports gear. This health-conscious trend is not limited to traditional sports; it extends to fitness training and at-home exercise equipment as well. Furthermore, South Korea’s highly tech-savvy population has embraced advancements in sports equipment technology, contributing to demand for high-performance gear. Innovations such as smart wearables, which provide real-time performance feedback, are particularly popular, appealing to both amateur athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking for data-driven insights. Coupled with the rise of e-commerce, these advancements make it easier for consumers to explore and purchase specialized products, broadening access and boosting market growth in the coming years. Ball over Net Games, such as volleyball and badminton, are widely played in schools, recreational leagues, and professional tournaments. Volleyball, in particular, is extremely popular in South Korea, leading to a consistent demand for nets, racquets, and related accessories. Ball Games, especially soccer, basketball, and baseball, dominate South Korean sports culture. Soccer enjoys massive popularity, both at the professional and amateur levels, leading to a steady demand for soccer balls, protective gear, and uniforms. Basketball and baseball also have strong followings, further fueling demand for balls, shoes, bats, and training equipment. Fitness and Strength Equipment has seen tremendous growth in South Korea due to increasing health consciousness and the rise of home-based workouts. As more people focus on personal fitness, products like dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebells, and cardio machines are in high demand, especially as gyms and fitness centers proliferate in urban areas. Additionally, fitness enthusiasts often invest in smart fitness devices and equipment with integrated technology, reflecting South Korea's tech-savvy population. Athletic Training Equipment plays a crucial role in supporting the development of athletes in South Korea, where sports academies and training programs are highly advanced. Training tools such as agility ladders, cones, resistance bands, and speed hurdles are widely used to improve performance across various sports. The country’s strong emphasis on competitive sports and athlete development drives demand for high-quality specialized training equipment. Other sports equipment in South Korea covers a variety of activities, from traditional sports like taekwondo and archery to emerging fitness trends such as cycling, running, and yoga. South Korea’s diverse athletic landscape includes sports like golf, tennis, and esports, each driving demand for specialized gear.

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In South Korea, specialty and sports shops serve as the leading distribution channel for sports equipment, particularly in clothing, footwear, and accessories. These shops cater to specific sport’s needs, providing a focused selection of unique items that are often unavailable in general retail outlets. The knowledgeable staff employed at these specialty shops play a crucial role in enhancing the customer experience by offering expert advice and guidance tailored to individual sports and activities, making them a favored choice for consumers seeking specialized equipment or apparel. Meanwhile, online retail is a rapidly growing segment, having accounted for less than 39% of the market share in 2020, but with significant growth anticipated due to appealing discounts and convenient delivery options. Various platforms, including dedicated sports e-commerce sites and general retailers like Coupang and Gmarket, facilitate access to an extensive array of sports equipment and apparel, catering to the increasing preference for online shopping. Additionally, department stores and discount retailers maintain a significant presence in the market by offering a wide variety of brands and products under one roof, thus appealing to consumers who prioritize convenience and diversity in their shopping experience. Major players in this sector, such as E-Mart, Lotte Mart, and Homeplus, have successfully integrated sports equipment into their broader retail offerings, further enhancing accessibility for consumers seeking both value and variety in their sports gear. Considered in this report • Geography: Global • Historic Year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029 Aspects covered in this report • Global Sports Equipment Market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Region & country wise Sports Equipment market analysis • Application wise Sports Equipment distribution • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation

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Kripa Shah

Senior Analyst

By Product Type • Ball Over Net Games • Ball Games • Fitness And Strength Equipment • Athletic Training Equipment, • Others By Distribution Channel • Specialty & sports shops • Online retail • Department & discount stores • Others The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

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Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.