GITNUXREPORT 2026

Korea Apparel Industry Statistics

Korea's apparel market is growing steadily, driven by online and luxury sales.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Online apparel sales penetration reached 42% among consumers aged 20-39 in 2023.

Statistic 2

68% of South Korean consumers prefer domestic apparel brands, per 2022 survey.

Statistic 3

Sustainable fashion purchasing intent was 55% among urban millennials in 2023.

Statistic 4

Average annual apparel spending per capita was 1.2 million KRW in 2022.

Statistic 5

Department store apparel sales dropped 8% YoY to 5.6 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 6

Duty-free shop apparel sales surged 25% to 2.3 trillion KRW in 2023 post-travel recovery.

Statistic 7

Mobile app-based apparel purchases accounted for 60% of e-commerce in 2022.

Statistic 8

Second-hand apparel market grew to 1.8 trillion KRW in 2023, up 18%.

Statistic 9

75% of consumers aged 18-24 prioritize price in apparel purchases, 2022 data.

Statistic 10

Luxury resale platforms saw 30% user growth in apparel category in 2023.

Statistic 11

Seasonal sales events boosted apparel retail by 22% during Chuseok 2022.

Statistic 12

In 2023, athleisure wear captured 28% of casual apparel consumer preference.

Statistic 13

Coupang and 11st platforms drove 52% of online apparel sales in 2023.

Statistic 14

82% of Gen Z consumers use social media for apparel discovery in 2022.

Statistic 15

Personalization demand: 45% willing to pay 10% premium for custom fits 2023.

Statistic 16

Black Friday apparel sales volume: 15 million items in 2022.

Statistic 17

Vegan leather apparel preference rose to 22% among 25-34 year-olds in 2023.

Statistic 18

Pop-up store apparel sales averaged 300 million KRW per event in 2022.

Statistic 19

Subscription box apparel services had 1.2 million subscribers in 2023.

Statistic 20

Influencer-driven purchases: 35% of apparel buys for under-25s in 2022.

Statistic 21

Cashless payments in apparel retail: 78% transaction share in 2023.

Statistic 22

Size inclusivity demands led to 15% sales uplift in plus-size lines 2022.

Statistic 23

The apparel industry employed 150,000 workers in South Korea in 2022.

Statistic 24

Manufacturing sector jobs in apparel numbered 120,000 in 2023, down 2% from 2022.

Statistic 25

Retail apparel employment stood at 450,000 full-time equivalents in 2022.

Statistic 26

Female workers comprised 65% of the apparel workforce, totaling 97,500 in 2023.

Statistic 27

Average annual wage in apparel manufacturing was 38 million KRW in 2022.

Statistic 28

Youth employment (under 30) in apparel retail was 28% of total staff in 2023.

Statistic 29

Labor productivity in apparel production reached 450 million KRW per worker in 2022.

Statistic 30

Unionized workers in apparel industry numbered 25,000 in 2023.

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Part-time apparel retail jobs accounted for 40% of employment, or 180,000 positions in 2022.

Statistic 32

Training programs for apparel designers trained 5,200 participants in 2023.

Statistic 33

Turnover rate in apparel manufacturing was 15.2% in 2022.

Statistic 34

Apparel sector workforce skill training hours: 1.2 million in 2023.

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SMEs in apparel employed 90% of manufacturing workforce in 2022.

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Foreign workers in apparel factories: 15,000 in 2023.

Statistic 37

Apparel designer employment: 12,000 professionals in 2022.

Statistic 38

Overtime hours average: 250 per worker annually in 2023.

Statistic 39

Gig economy apparel delivery jobs: 50,000 in 2022.

Statistic 40

Workplace accident rate in apparel: 1.8 per 1,000 workers in 2023.

Statistic 41

R&D staff in apparel firms: 8,500 in 2022.

Statistic 42

Remote work adoption in apparel retail offices: 25% in 2023.

Statistic 43

Apprenticeship programs graduated 3,200 in apparel trades 2022.

Statistic 44

South Korea's apparel exports totaled $13.2 billion USD in 2022, a 4.1% increase from 2021.

Statistic 45

Apparel exports to the United States reached $4.5 billion USD in 2023, comprising 34% of total exports.

Statistic 46

China imported $3.8 billion USD worth of Korean apparel in 2022.

Statistic 47

Vietnam was the top import source for apparel, supplying $2.9 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 48

EU apparel imports from South Korea grew to $1.7 billion USD in 2022.

Statistic 49

Japan received $1.2 billion USD in Korean apparel exports in 2023, up 6%.

Statistic 50

Total apparel imports into South Korea were $8.4 billion USD in 2022, with fast fashion dominating.

Statistic 51

Duty-free apparel imports under KORUS FTA reached $1.1 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 52

Apparel trade surplus for South Korea was $4.8 billion USD in 2022.

Statistic 53

Exports of sustainable apparel from South Korea hit $900 million USD in 2023.

Statistic 54

Apparel exports to ASEAN countries totaled $2.1 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 55

Bangladesh apparel imports to Korea: $1.5 billion USD in 2022.

Statistic 56

RCEP agreement boosted apparel exports by 12% to $1.8 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 57

UK apparel imports from Korea grew 9% to $600 million USD post-Brexit.

Statistic 58

Indonesia sourced $800 million USD Korean apparel in 2022.

Statistic 59

Apparel re-exports via free trade zones: $500 million USD in 2023.

Statistic 60

Tariff reductions under CPTPP saved $200 million USD on apparel imports in 2022.

Statistic 61

E-commerce apparel cross-border exports hit $1.4 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 62

Cambodia imports: $400 million USD Korean fabrics for apparel in 2022.

Statistic 63

Total apparel export growth rate: 5.3% projected for 2024.

Statistic 64

In 2022, the South Korean apparel market was valued at approximately 28.5 trillion KRW, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% from 2018 to 2022.

Statistic 65

The luxury apparel segment in South Korea generated 4.2 trillion KRW in revenue in 2023, up 5.1% year-over-year.

Statistic 66

Fast fashion apparel sales in South Korea reached 12.7 trillion KRW in 2022, accounting for 45% of total apparel market share.

Statistic 67

Online apparel sales in South Korea comprised 35% of total apparel revenue in 2023, totaling 10.1 trillion KRW.

Statistic 68

The sportswear apparel sub-market in South Korea grew to 3.8 trillion KRW in 2022, with a 7.2% YoY increase driven by athleisure trends.

Statistic 69

Total apparel retail sales in South Korea hit 31.2 trillion KRW in 2023, boosted by post-pandemic recovery.

Statistic 70

Women's apparel segment dominated with 52% market share, valued at 14.8 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 71

Children's apparel market in South Korea was worth 2.1 trillion KRW in 2023, growing at 4.5% CAGR since 2019.

Statistic 72

Men's formal wear revenue declined to 1.9 trillion KRW in 2022, down 2.3% due to remote work trends.

Statistic 73

Sustainable apparel market in South Korea reached 1.5 trillion KRW in 2023, with 12% YoY growth.

Statistic 74

South Korea's apparel market is projected to reach 35 trillion KRW by 2027, with 3.5% CAGR.

Statistic 75

Streetwear segment revenue hit 2.4 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 76

Denim apparel sales totaled 1.1 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 77

Outerwear market value was 4.9 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 78

Underwear and intimates segment reached 1.7 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 79

Footwear-integrated apparel sales grew to 900 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 80

Vintage apparel niche market valued at 500 billion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 81

Corporate uniform apparel contracts worth 800 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 82

Eco-friendly fabric apparel sales up 15% to 2.2 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 83

Total apparel production output in South Korea was 1.2 billion units in 2022.

Statistic 84

Synthetic fiber apparel production accounted for 68% of total output, or 816 million units in 2022.

Statistic 85

Cotton-based apparel production in South Korea totaled 250 million units in 2023, up 3% from prior year.

Statistic 86

Denim jeans production reached 45 million pairs in 2022, primarily from Gyeonggi Province factories.

Statistic 87

Activewear production volume surged to 180 million pieces in 2023, driven by domestic brands like Kolon Sport.

Statistic 88

Knitwear production in South Korea was 320 million garments in 2022, with 40% exported.

Statistic 89

Leather apparel and accessories production hit 15 million units in 2023.

Statistic 90

Woven shirts production totaled 120 million units in 2022, down 1.5% due to supply chain issues.

Statistic 91

Sleepwear and loungewear output increased to 90 million sets in 2023 amid homewear trends.

Statistic 92

High-end suit production in South Korea was 8 million units in 2022, concentrated in Seoul factories.

Statistic 93

Apparel production capacity utilization rate was 82% in 2022.

Statistic 94

Automated sewing lines produced 200 million garments in 2023.

Statistic 95

Wool-blend apparel output was 35 million units in 2022.

Statistic 96

T-shirt production peaked at 400 million units in summer 2023.

Statistic 97

Protective workwear production totaled 12 million sets in 2022.

Statistic 98

Silk apparel manufacturing yielded 5 million pieces in 2023.

Statistic 99

Recycled polyester apparel production hit 100 million units in 2022.

Statistic 100

Swimwear output increased to 20 million pieces in 2023.

Statistic 101

Custom-tailored apparel production was 4 million orders in 2022.

Statistic 102

Organic cotton apparel volume: 30 million units in 2023.

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Bursting with a mix of relentless innovation and shifting consumer passions, South Korea's apparel industry isn't just getting dressed—it's meticulously crafting a global fashion statement, as evidenced by a market valued at over 28 trillion KRW where fast fashion commands nearly half of all sales and online shopping now drives more than a third of revenue.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the South Korean apparel market was valued at approximately 28.5 trillion KRW, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% from 2018 to 2022.
The luxury apparel segment in South Korea generated 4.2 trillion KRW in revenue in 2023, up 5.1% year-over-year.
Fast fashion apparel sales in South Korea reached 12.7 trillion KRW in 2022, accounting for 45% of total apparel market share.
Total apparel production output in South Korea was 1.2 billion units in 2022.
Synthetic fiber apparel production accounted for 68% of total output, or 816 million units in 2022.
Cotton-based apparel production in South Korea totaled 250 million units in 2023, up 3% from prior year.
South Korea's apparel exports totaled $13.2 billion USD in 2022, a 4.1% increase from 2021.
Apparel exports to the United States reached $4.5 billion USD in 2023, comprising 34% of total exports.
China imported $3.8 billion USD worth of Korean apparel in 2022.
The apparel industry employed 150,000 workers in South Korea in 2022.
Manufacturing sector jobs in apparel numbered 120,000 in 2023, down 2% from 2022.
Retail apparel employment stood at 450,000 full-time equivalents in 2022.
Online apparel sales penetration reached 42% among consumers aged 20-39 in 2023.
68% of South Korean consumers prefer domestic apparel brands, per 2022 survey.
Sustainable fashion purchasing intent was 55% among urban millennials in 2023.

Korea's apparel market is growing steadily, driven by online and luxury sales.

Consumer and Retail Trends

Online apparel sales penetration reached 42% among consumers aged 20-39 in 2023.
68% of South Korean consumers prefer domestic apparel brands, per 2022 survey.
Sustainable fashion purchasing intent was 55% among urban millennials in 2023.
Average annual apparel spending per capita was 1.2 million KRW in 2022.
Department store apparel sales dropped 8% YoY to 5.6 trillion KRW in 2023.
Duty-free shop apparel sales surged 25% to 2.3 trillion KRW in 2023 post-travel recovery.
Mobile app-based apparel purchases accounted for 60% of e-commerce in 2022.
Second-hand apparel market grew to 1.8 trillion KRW in 2023, up 18%.
75% of consumers aged 18-24 prioritize price in apparel purchases, 2022 data.
Luxury resale platforms saw 30% user growth in apparel category in 2023.
Seasonal sales events boosted apparel retail by 22% during Chuseok 2022.
In 2023, athleisure wear captured 28% of casual apparel consumer preference.
Coupang and 11st platforms drove 52% of online apparel sales in 2023.
82% of Gen Z consumers use social media for apparel discovery in 2022.
Personalization demand: 45% willing to pay 10% premium for custom fits 2023.
Black Friday apparel sales volume: 15 million items in 2022.
Vegan leather apparel preference rose to 22% among 25-34 year-olds in 2023.
Pop-up store apparel sales averaged 300 million KRW per event in 2022.
Subscription box apparel services had 1.2 million subscribers in 2023.
Influencer-driven purchases: 35% of apparel buys for under-25s in 2022.
Cashless payments in apparel retail: 78% transaction share in 2023.
Size inclusivity demands led to 15% sales uplift in plus-size lines 2022.

Consumer and Retail Trends Interpretation

While Korea's young shoppers are fiercely loyal to domestic brands and claim to crave sustainability, their actual wallets tell a more complex story of mobile-first bargain-hunting, a booming thirst for second-hand luxury, and an undeniable surrender to the siren song of athleisure and influencer-marketed sales events.

Employment and Labor

The apparel industry employed 150,000 workers in South Korea in 2022.
Manufacturing sector jobs in apparel numbered 120,000 in 2023, down 2% from 2022.
Retail apparel employment stood at 450,000 full-time equivalents in 2022.
Female workers comprised 65% of the apparel workforce, totaling 97,500 in 2023.
Average annual wage in apparel manufacturing was 38 million KRW in 2022.
Youth employment (under 30) in apparel retail was 28% of total staff in 2023.
Labor productivity in apparel production reached 450 million KRW per worker in 2022.
Unionized workers in apparel industry numbered 25,000 in 2023.
Part-time apparel retail jobs accounted for 40% of employment, or 180,000 positions in 2022.
Training programs for apparel designers trained 5,200 participants in 2023.
Turnover rate in apparel manufacturing was 15.2% in 2022.
Apparel sector workforce skill training hours: 1.2 million in 2023.
SMEs in apparel employed 90% of manufacturing workforce in 2022.
Foreign workers in apparel factories: 15,000 in 2023.
Apparel designer employment: 12,000 professionals in 2022.
Overtime hours average: 250 per worker annually in 2023.
Gig economy apparel delivery jobs: 50,000 in 2022.
Workplace accident rate in apparel: 1.8 per 1,000 workers in 2023.
R&D staff in apparel firms: 8,500 in 2022.
Remote work adoption in apparel retail offices: 25% in 2023.
Apprenticeship programs graduated 3,200 in apparel trades 2022.

Employment and Labor Interpretation

While South Korea’s apparel industry stitches together a vast tapestry of 450,000 retail roles and a core of 120,000 manufacturing jobs, it’s a fabric under tension—woven significantly by women, youth, and part-timers often working overtime for modest pay, yet frayed by high turnover and propped up by crucial training and a resilient backbone of SMEs.

Export and Import Data

South Korea's apparel exports totaled $13.2 billion USD in 2022, a 4.1% increase from 2021.
Apparel exports to the United States reached $4.5 billion USD in 2023, comprising 34% of total exports.
China imported $3.8 billion USD worth of Korean apparel in 2022.
Vietnam was the top import source for apparel, supplying $2.9 billion USD in 2023.
EU apparel imports from South Korea grew to $1.7 billion USD in 2022.
Japan received $1.2 billion USD in Korean apparel exports in 2023, up 6%.
Total apparel imports into South Korea were $8.4 billion USD in 2022, with fast fashion dominating.
Duty-free apparel imports under KORUS FTA reached $1.1 billion USD in 2023.
Apparel trade surplus for South Korea was $4.8 billion USD in 2022.
Exports of sustainable apparel from South Korea hit $900 million USD in 2023.
Apparel exports to ASEAN countries totaled $2.1 billion USD in 2023.
Bangladesh apparel imports to Korea: $1.5 billion USD in 2022.
RCEP agreement boosted apparel exports by 12% to $1.8 billion USD in 2023.
UK apparel imports from Korea grew 9% to $600 million USD post-Brexit.
Indonesia sourced $800 million USD Korean apparel in 2022.
Apparel re-exports via free trade zones: $500 million USD in 2023.
Tariff reductions under CPTPP saved $200 million USD on apparel imports in 2022.
E-commerce apparel cross-border exports hit $1.4 billion USD in 2023.
Cambodia imports: $400 million USD Korean fabrics for apparel in 2022.
Total apparel export growth rate: 5.3% projected for 2024.

Export and Import Data Interpretation

While the US remains South Korea's most lucrative fashion sugar daddy, the nation's true ambition is stitching together a diversified global wardrobe, cleverly leveraging free trade deals and e-commerce threads to clothe the world—and pocket a handsome $4.8 billion surplus for its tailor's trouble.

Market Size and Revenue

In 2022, the South Korean apparel market was valued at approximately 28.5 trillion KRW, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% from 2018 to 2022.
The luxury apparel segment in South Korea generated 4.2 trillion KRW in revenue in 2023, up 5.1% year-over-year.
Fast fashion apparel sales in South Korea reached 12.7 trillion KRW in 2022, accounting for 45% of total apparel market share.
Online apparel sales in South Korea comprised 35% of total apparel revenue in 2023, totaling 10.1 trillion KRW.
The sportswear apparel sub-market in South Korea grew to 3.8 trillion KRW in 2022, with a 7.2% YoY increase driven by athleisure trends.
Total apparel retail sales in South Korea hit 31.2 trillion KRW in 2023, boosted by post-pandemic recovery.
Women's apparel segment dominated with 52% market share, valued at 14.8 trillion KRW in 2022.
Children's apparel market in South Korea was worth 2.1 trillion KRW in 2023, growing at 4.5% CAGR since 2019.
Men's formal wear revenue declined to 1.9 trillion KRW in 2022, down 2.3% due to remote work trends.
Sustainable apparel market in South Korea reached 1.5 trillion KRW in 2023, with 12% YoY growth.
South Korea's apparel market is projected to reach 35 trillion KRW by 2027, with 3.5% CAGR.
Streetwear segment revenue hit 2.4 trillion KRW in 2023.
Denim apparel sales totaled 1.1 trillion KRW in 2022.
Outerwear market value was 4.9 trillion KRW in 2023.
Underwear and intimates segment reached 1.7 trillion KRW in 2022.
Footwear-integrated apparel sales grew to 900 billion KRW in 2023.
Vintage apparel niche market valued at 500 billion KRW in 2022.
Corporate uniform apparel contracts worth 800 billion KRW in 2023.
Eco-friendly fabric apparel sales up 15% to 2.2 trillion KRW in 2023.

Market Size and Revenue Interpretation

Despite its apparent identity crisis between fast fashion's 45% market stranglehold and luxury's resilient 5% growth, the South Korean apparel market is seriously betting its 35 trillion KRW future on the unstoppable trio of online shopping, athleisure, and sustainability.

Production Statistics

Total apparel production output in South Korea was 1.2 billion units in 2022.
Synthetic fiber apparel production accounted for 68% of total output, or 816 million units in 2022.
Cotton-based apparel production in South Korea totaled 250 million units in 2023, up 3% from prior year.
Denim jeans production reached 45 million pairs in 2022, primarily from Gyeonggi Province factories.
Activewear production volume surged to 180 million pieces in 2023, driven by domestic brands like Kolon Sport.
Knitwear production in South Korea was 320 million garments in 2022, with 40% exported.
Leather apparel and accessories production hit 15 million units in 2023.
Woven shirts production totaled 120 million units in 2022, down 1.5% due to supply chain issues.
Sleepwear and loungewear output increased to 90 million sets in 2023 amid homewear trends.
High-end suit production in South Korea was 8 million units in 2022, concentrated in Seoul factories.
Apparel production capacity utilization rate was 82% in 2022.
Automated sewing lines produced 200 million garments in 2023.
Wool-blend apparel output was 35 million units in 2022.
T-shirt production peaked at 400 million units in summer 2023.
Protective workwear production totaled 12 million sets in 2022.
Silk apparel manufacturing yielded 5 million pieces in 2023.
Recycled polyester apparel production hit 100 million units in 2022.
Swimwear output increased to 20 million pieces in 2023.
Custom-tailored apparel production was 4 million orders in 2022.
Organic cotton apparel volume: 30 million units in 2023.

Production Statistics Interpretation

South Korea's apparel industry, stitching together 1.2 billion units of everything from ubiquitous synthetics and booming activewear to exquisite Seoul-tailored suits, proves it can simultaneously clothe the world in comfort, dress it for work, and tailor it for success, all while navigating the delicate fabric of global supply chains and domestic trends.

Sources & References

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