The Korea garment steamer market is poised to register a valuation of USD 82.2 million in 2025. The industry is slated to grow at 10.1% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, witnessing USD 214.8 million by 2035. The industry is witnessing steady growth based on a mix of lifestyle changes, greater emphasis on personal grooming, and changing consumer tastes.
With more Koreans embracing fast-paced, urban lifestyles, demand for convenient, time-saving home appliances has grown by leaps and bounds. Clothing steamers, which are easy to use and quick to eliminate wrinkles, suit the busy schedule of working professionals and young adults who need effective daily life tools. Steamer ironing is quicker to set up than conventional irons and is soft on sensitive fabrics, which makes the product more attractive in a fashion-oriented society like Korea where clothing care is prioritized.
Increasing popularity of compact and multi-functional appliances is contributing to industry growth. Most Korean homes are in apartments with limited space, so compact steamers are more desirable than larger ironing systems.
Manufacturers are reacting by providing lightweight, portable, and fashionable steamer models that complement contemporary interiors. In addition, as Korean consumers become more health- and hygiene-conscious, the sanitizing capacity of garment steamers, which decreases allergens and bacteria on the clothing, has become a selling feature, particularly in the post-pandemic scenario.
Cultural factors also enhance industry growth. Korea's dominance in international fashion and entertainment, such as K-pop and K-drama, drives a high level of personal grooming. Steamers are not only employed in the home but also in retail, fashion houses, and even behind the scenes at events.
Coupled with rising disposable income and heightened awareness of high-end home care products, these trends are encouraging more consumers to spend money on better-quality garment steamers. Overall, these drivers are anticipated to keep propelling demand and innovation in the Korean garment steamer industry over the next few years.
| Metrics | Values |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 82.2 million |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 214.8 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 10.1% |
Explore FMI!
Book a free demo
The Korea garment steamer market is driven by varied trends and buying habits in residential, commercial, and fashion/retail categories. Residential buyers, such as young professionals and homemakers, value convenience, compactness, and ease of use because of space limitations and hectic lifestyles.
Major considerations in this category are portability, quick heat-up time, safety for fabrics, and sleek design. Pandemic-driven consciousness about hygiene has also raised the demand for steamers with sanitizing features. Quietness and energy efficiency are key factors, particularly for shared or small living areas. With personal care and laundry needs becoming increasingly essential in daily lifestyles, residential customers are looking for multifunction appliances that combine performance with style.
Commercial and fashion/retail segments, however, focus more on performance, durability, and efficiency. Hotels, dry cleaners, and laundries prioritize heavy-duty steamers with continuous operation, high output, and simple maintenance, with operating cost and after-sales service being key decision drivers.
Fashion stores and studios, on the other hand, look for lightweight, fast-heating steamers that can handle different fabrics safely and still look professional. Quiet operation, portability, and appearance are also important in retail settings, where customer experience and brand image are considerations. Since every segment has special requirements, producers are now customizing products to fulfill these special needs, promoting product diversification and innovation in Korea's expanding garment steamer market.
Between 2020 and 2024, the Korea garment steamer market experienced dramatic changes due to changing lifestyles, increased hygiene awareness, and consumer interest. The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact in driving demands for home appliances that facilitate cleanliness and garment care, leading garment steamers to be highly sought after by homes seeking to sanitize garments and minimize allergens.
Throughout this time, social distancing and remote work resulted in an increase in home-based lifestyles, which encouraged greater investment in functional, time-saving appliances. The industry also witnessed a trend towards smaller, easy-to-use, and visually appealing steamers, which mirrored the requirements of younger, urban consumers with smaller living spaces. E-commerce also became more prominent as a major sales channel, with consumers increasingly turning to online reviews and influencer marketing to inform their purchases.
Looking forward to 2025 to 2035, the industry is likely to develop with increasing focus on smartness, sustainability, and premiumization. Buyers will probably call for steamers that are compatible with smart home systems, provide app-based control, and offer performance analytics or maintenance notifications.
Environmentally friendly design will also be in focus, with energy-efficient models and sustainable materials emerging as key differentiators. As Korea remains the epicenter of fashion and pop culture, demand for high-performing steamers that safeguard exquisite, high-quality fabrics will grow-especially in retail, fashion, and entertainment industries. Advances in technology, including quicker heat-up times, compatibility with multiple fabrics, and better steam control, will be key drivers of competition among brands.
Comparative Industry Shift Analysis (2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035)
| 2020 to 2024 | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 escalated awareness among the public about fabric and personal hygiene. Consumers increasingly found value in garment steamers not only for unwrinkling clothes, but also to sterilize clothes and eliminate allergens, making steamers multi-functional hygiene devices. | As smart home penetration increases, consumers will demand garment steamers with connectivity capabilities like app-based control, steaming settings programmability, and automatic shut-off notifications. Support for wider home ecosystems (such as Google Home or Samsung SmartThings) will become an increasingly common selling feature. |
| Due to the high density of population in cities and the commonality of small apartments, there was a strong inclination toward small, foldable, and light steamer models. Form was important, with customers opting for products that were both portable and good-looking. | Environmental issues are likely to influence buying decisions, with buyers seeking energy-efficient steamers that utilize recyclable materials and cause little harm to the environment. Companies with transparent eco- labeling and recyclable packaging will gain a competitive advantage. |
| With limited retail availability and the tech-savvy inclinations of younger consumers, ecommerce was the prevalent channel. Social media influencers, YouTubers, and product reviews typically drove product discovery, particularly among 20- and 30-year-olds. | As consumers become increasingly quality-oriented and look for products that address individual needs, demand will grow for high-end steamers with mode-specific fabrics, strong pressure steam, extended usage times, and slim designs that fit luxury home styles. |
Although the Korea garment steamer market is growing steadily, it comes with its own set of risks. One of the major issues is industry saturation, particularly in the residential sector. This saturation hit entry-level and mid-range product segments specifically hard, where there is little differentiation and intense price competition. Furthermore, consumer tastes are also changing quickly; companies not innovating or keeping up with changing lifestyle patterns are in danger of losing their industry position.
Another major risk is import dependence and supply chain disruption. Most garment steamers sold in Korea are either made in or imported from such countries as China. Any geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, or worldwide logistics problems may hamper product availability or drive up the cost. Additionally, the business is subject to volatile raw material prices, mostly metals and plastics, which have the potential to impact profit margins if not closely monitored. All these risks are compounded by the limited domestic base of manufacturing of small appliances in Korea, hence exposing the industry to challenges.
Handheld steamers have been a popular option in Korea due to their convenience and portability. Most Koreans reside in small apartments or high-rise apartments, for which space needs to be saved. Handheld steamers are convenient to store, light in weight, and can be used for instant touch-ups.
With the fast-paced lifestyle in cities, individuals purchase products that are simple to operate and will freshen up an article of clothing easily without requiring an ironing board. They are also multi-functional, perfect to steam not just clothes but curtains and upholstery too.
Though handheld models are the most popular, upright steamers also command a considerable industry share in Korea, particularly in homes with greater space or in retail outlets such as clothing stores. Upright steamers tend to be employed for more extensive steaming operations and can accommodate greater quantities of clothes or thicker fabrics.
They are preferred by those who steam clothes on a regular and professional basis, as they offer a more even steam output and typically have larger water tanks for extended use. Even though they are larger, they remain a favorite among those who have the space and requirement for more heavy-duty steaming capabilities.
Plastic and stainless steel are the most common materials used in garment steamer manufacturing in Korea, with plastic used extensively for the outer body and stainless steel frequently applied to inner parts such as the steam nozzle, boiler, or heating components. Plastic's extensive application is mainly because of its light weight, cost-effectiveness, and ease of design.
Korean consumers prefer sleek, modern, and space-saving designs, which plastic allows through easy molding and color customization. Moreover, plastic keeps the overall unit lightweight and portable-a definite advantage in the mass-market segment's handheld steamer category. Its price sensitivity also fits well with the affordability concerns of most daily consumers, so it is perfect for mass production.
Conversely, stainless steel is preferred for internal heating components and steam-generating parts because it is strong, corrosion-resistant, and can withstand high temperatures without degrading. It provides a longer appliance lifespan and improves performance consistency, particularly in providing continuous and strong steam. Stainless steel is also attractive to quality-oriented buyers who relate it to high-quality, safe, and sanitary manufacture-factors of concern in a market where product reliability and safety are of most importance.
The Korean garment steamers industry has a blend of multinational consumer electronics firms and specialist appliance players offering niche products, all of which have been tailor-made to respond to the diverse needs of consumers in Korea.
Global leaders such as LG Electronics and Everyday Gourmet control the industry with their high-performance, cost-effective steamers, while specialist manufacturers such as AICOK and Pure Enrichment offer economical, smaller-scale options that address the unique needs of contemporary city dwellings. The marketplace is further influenced by trends in eco-friendliness, technology, and online shopping as a primary sales channel.
Key Company Share Analysis
| Company Name | Estimated Industry Share (%) |
|---|---|
| LG Electronics | 12-15% |
| Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company | 8-10% |
| Spectrum Brands | 6-8% |
| AICOK | 5-7% |
| Groupe SEB | 7-9% |
| Conair Corporation | 4-6% |
| Pure Enrichment Company | 3-5% |
| BLACK+DECKER Inc. | 4-6% |
| Reliable Corporation | 2-4% |
| Electrolux AB | 5-7% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings & Activities |
|---|---|
| LG Electronics | The leading home appliance company, LG Electronics provides innovative garment steamers with smart temperature control and anti- calc functions. Its history of high-tech, dependable products resonates in the Korean industry , where there is increasing demand from consumers for innovative home products. |
| Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company | Recognized for making affordable and functional garment steamers, Hamilton Beach is well entrenched in the Korean industry via retail alliances. The company's products emphasize easy-to-use steamers that suit average household needs. |
| Spectrum Brands | A leading brand in the garment steamer industry with names such as Conair, Spectrum has a series of steamers that are renowned for their portability and user-friendliness. Its products are promoted as convenient and effective solutions for busy Korean households. |
| AICOK | AICOK targets affordable but highly e fficient garment steamers. It has been increasingly popular in Korea because it targets easy-to-use, compact models perfect for small homes, which are prevalent in Korea. |
| Groupe SEB | Groupe SEB is a dominant player in the small appliance industry, with its garment steamers being reputed for durability and high performance. Their products tend to highlight eco-friendly aspects, which appeal to eco-friendly Korean consumers. |
| Conair Corporation | Conair garment steamers are popularly known to be easy to use and budget-friendly. Conair has effectively accessed Korea's emerging e-commerce industry with its strong online retail presence. |
| Pure Enrichment Company | Pure Enrichment specializes in well-designed, visually appealing garment steamers. Its products are created with user experience in mind, featuring quiet operation and rapid steam generation, which appeals to Korean consumers who prefer comfort and efficiency. |
| BLACK+DECKER Inc. | BLACK+DECKER garment steamers are famous for their durability and high-pressure steaming capacity. The brand's extensive presence in Korean retail stores makes it a household name in home care. |
| Reliable Corporation | A specialist in selling high-end steamers, Reliable focuses on professional-grade models for garment care professionals and home consumers. Its products address Korea's high demand for durable and long-lasting home appliances. |
| Electrolux AB | Electrolux garment steamers are highly regarded for their slim profiles and effective performance. Their focus on sustainability and environmental manufacturing processes has been drawing interest in the Korean industry , where consumers are increasingly becoming environment-conscious. |
The Korean garment steamer market is defined by a combination of global and domestic brands providing innovative and functional solutions to the increasingly technology-oriented and environmentally aware consumer base.
Well-established international brands such as LG Electronics and BLACK+DECKER lead the market because of their extensive distribution networks, brand recognition, and emphasis on high-performance products. Yet, new entrants like AICOK and Pure Enrichment are catching up by providing affordable yet efficient steamers that resonate with young, urban customers in Korea's small living spaces.
The industry is expected to reach USD 82.2 million in 2025.
The industry is projected to witness USD 214.8 million by 2035.
The industry is slated to grow at 10.1% CAGR during the study period.
Handheld products are majorly bought.
Leading companies include LG Electronics, Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company, Spectrum Brands, AICOK, Groupe SEB, Conair Corporation, Pure Enrichment Company, BLACK+DECKER Inc., Reliable Corporation, and Electrolux AB.
In terms of product type, the industry is classified into handheld/portable and upright/non-portable.
With respect to end use, the market is divided into household/residential and commercial.
Based on power, the industry is classified into 750 Watt, 750-1000 Watt, 1000-1500 Watt, 1500-2500 Watt, and 2500 Watt & above.
In terms of water tank capacity, the industry is divided into below 500 ml, 500-1 Litre, 1-2 Litre, 2-3 Litre, 3-4 Litre, and 4 Litre & above.
Based on material, the market is classified into plastic, metal, aluminium, stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic.
In terms of sales channel, the industry is categorized into direct and indirect.
Regionally, the industry is divided into South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, Jeju, and the rest of Korea.
Western Europe Cosmetics ODM Market Analysis - Size, Share & Trends 2025 to 2035
Korea Women’s Footwear Market Analysis - Size, Share & Trends 2025 to 2035
Japan Women’s Footwear Market Analysis - Size, Share & Trends 2025 to 2035
Western Europe Fabric Stain Remover Market Analysis – Size, Share & Trends 2025 to 2035
Japan Fabric Stain Remover Market Analysis - Size, Share & Trends 2025 to 2035
Korea Natural Cosmetics Market Analysis – Size, Share & Trends 2025 to 2035
Korea Garment Steamer Market
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
