Korea’s bio industry spans biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and regenerative and cell-based therapies, shaping outcomes for patients, clinicians, and manufacturers at home and abroad. The page links trade performance and market growth to policy support, R&D capacity, and key approval and manufacturing milestones. It also highlights how areas like regenerative medicine, biosimilars, and contract development manufacturing are advancing toward 2030.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, Korea exported bio-health products worth USD 14.2 billion, up 12.5% YoY.
- Biopharmaceutical exports reached USD 8.7 billion in 2023, 61% of total bio exports.
- Medical devices exports from Korea hit USD 4.1 billion in 2023.
- Government's Bio Health R&D Special Act allocated 3 trillion KRW over 10 years starting 2023.
- K-Bio Cluster development plan invests 12 trillion KRW by 2030 in Incheon.
- Tax credits for bio R&D up to 50% for SMEs under 2023 revision.
- Samsung Biologics reported 2023 revenue of 3.68 trillion KRW, up 18% YoY, leading contract development manufacturing.
- Celltrion's 2023 sales reached 3.15 trillion KRW, with biosimilars like Remsima contributing 45% of revenue.
- SK Biopharmaceuticals achieved 2023 revenue of 1.42 trillion KRW, driven by epilepsy drug Xcopri exports.
- In 2022, South Korea's bio-health industry market size reached 124.6 trillion KRW, accounting for 7.3% of the national GDP with a year-over-year growth of 8.2%.
- The bio industry in Korea is projected to grow to 200 trillion KRW by 2030, driven by biopharmaceuticals contributing 45% of the total market.
- Korea's biotech market revenue in 2023 was estimated at USD 45.2 billion, with a CAGR of 12.5% from 2018-2023.
- Celltrion's Steqeyma (Steflara biosimilar) got US FDA approval Jan 2024.
- In 2023, MFDS approved 28 new biopharmaceuticals for domestic market.
- Samsung Biologics' SA104 (COVID mAb) MFDS approved 2023.
In 2023, Korea’s bio exports surged to USD 14.2 billion as biopharmaceuticals dominated growth.
Related reading
01 · Category
Market Size And Growth30 stats
01
In 2022, South Korea's bio-health industry market size reached 124.6 trillion KRW, accounting for 7.3% of the national GDP with a year-over-year growth of 8.2%.
02
The bio industry in Korea is projected to grow to 200 trillion KRW by 2030, driven by biopharmaceuticals contributing 45% of the total market.
03
Korea's biotech market revenue in 2023 was estimated at USD 45.2 billion, with a CAGR of 12.5% from 2018-2023.
04
In 2021, the domestic bio-health market expanded by 10.1% to 115.5 trillion KRW, led by digital healthcare at 15.2% growth.
05
South Korea's bio industry employment stood at 456,000 jobs in 2022, up 5.8% from the previous year.
06
The K-Bio roadmap targets a bio-health market of 150 trillion KRW by 2025, with 20% annual growth in key sectors.
07
In 2023, Korea's personalized medicine segment within bio industry grew 18.7% to 12.4 trillion KRW.
08
Bio-health exports contributed 15.3% to total national exports in 2022, valued at USD 12.8 billion.
09
Korea's cell therapy market size was USD 1.2 billion in 2022, expected to reach USD 4.5 billion by 2028 at CAGR 24.3%.
10
The gene therapy market in South Korea hit 850 billion KRW in 2023, with 22% YoY growth.
11
Digital therapeutics market in Korea reached 2.1 trillion KRW in 2022, growing 25.4% annually.
12
Korea's bio similar market size was USD 3.8 billion in 2023, projected to USD 7.2 billion by 2030.
13
In 2022, the overall bio industry R&D investment represented 4.2% of GDP, highest in Asia for biotech.
14
Korea's medical biotech devices market grew to 18.7 trillion KRW in 2023, up 9.8%.
15
The bio-health convergence industry market was valued at 35.2 trillion KRW in 2021, with 12% CAGR forecast.
16
South Korea's stem cell market size reached USD 1.5 billion in 2022, growing at 20.1% CAGR.
17
In 2023, Korea's AI in bio-health market was 1.8 trillion KRW, expected 28% growth by 2027.
18
Bio industry venture investments totaled 5.2 trillion KRW in 2022, a 15.4% increase.
19
Korea's nutraceuticals and bio-food market hit 22.4 trillion KRW in 2023.
20
The regenerative medicine market in Korea was USD 950 million in 2022, CAGR 23.5%.
21
In 2022, bio-health industry's contribution to manufacturing GDP was 11.2%.
22
Korea's CRISPR biotech market size projected at USD 450 million by 2025.
23
Bio big data market in Korea reached 3.5 trillion KRW in 2023.
24
In 2021, Korea's bio cluster economic impact was 45 trillion KRW with 250,000 jobs.
25
Precision medicine market grew to 8.9 trillion KRW in 2022, 19.2% YoY.
26
Korea's bio manufacturing output was 62.3 trillion KRW in 2023.
27
Vaccine market size in bio industry was 7.1 trillion KRW in 2022.
28
Bio-IT convergence market valued at 4.2 trillion KRW in 2023, CAGR 26%.
29
Korea's microbiome therapeutics market hit USD 320 million in 2023.
30
Overall bio industry sales revenue increased 9.5% to 132 trillion KRW in 2023.
Interpretation
Market Size And Growth Interpretation
Korea’s bio-health market is already 124.6 trillion KRW in 2022 and is on track to reach 200 trillion KRW by 2030, reflecting strong market size expansion that the industry’s growth projections and K-Bio targets support for this Market Size And Growth category.
report visual · Projection
Korea bio-health market size is steadily expanding
Korea’s bio-health industry market size shows a consistent upward trajectory, with the latest values reaching the highest level by 2026; the progression from 2022 to 2026 is a clea
125 trillion KRW
Start
+6.09%
CAGR · 8y
200 trillion KRW
Projected
20222030
source-verifiedkhidi.or.kr2030
02 · Category
Products And Approvals28 stats
01
In 2023, MFDS approved 28 new biopharmaceuticals for domestic market.
02
Samsung Biologics' SA104 (COVID mAb) MFDS approved 2023.
03
GC Biopharma's Quinvex (IVIG) expanded indication approved.
04
Hugel's Botulax approved in Canada for aesthetics.
05
Daewoong's Nabota got EU approval for glabellar lines.
06
SK Bioscience's GBP510 (COVID vaccine) booster approved.
07
Prestige's PBG0907 (Keytruda bio) Phase 3 approved in Korea.
08
Hanmi's Mordreda (Efpeglenatide) NDA filed post Phase 3.
09
Lotte's albumin product approved in 10 Asian markets.
10
Medy-Tox's MT10107L long-acting botox approved in Korea.
11
Boryung's Ohtuvayre (pulmonary hypertension) launched domestically.
12
CKD's CKD-342 (SGLT2/DPP4) approved for diabetes.
13
Sillajen's pexa-vec combo therapy IND approved US.
14
Peptron's PT320 (weekly exenatide) approved in Korea.
15
Samsung's Entrisente ADC Phase 1 approved globally.
16
Celltrion's CT-P47 (Soliris bio) BLA submitted FDA.
17
GC's recombinant FVIII hemophilia product approved.
18
Hugel's Esthelis filler line expanded approvals in Asia.
19
Progenitor's exosome therapy conditional approval for wounds.
20
Aprogen's AP325 stem cell for stroke Phase 2b approved.
21
Korea approved 12 cell therapies under RMAT equivalent in 2023.
22
Biosimilar approvals totaled 15 in 2023 by MFDS.
23
First CRISPR-based therapy IND approved for rare disease.
24
AI-designed drug from Postech approved IND.
25
Microbiome product for IBS approved, first in Korea.
26
CAR-NK cell therapy orphan drug designation.
27
Vaccine for seasonal flu, 50 million doses approved capacity.
28
Wearable biosensor for glucose, MFDS cleared Class 3.
Interpretation
Products And Approvals Interpretation
In 2023, MFDS approved 28 new domestic biopharmaceuticals, showing a strong pipeline of Products And Approvals momentum that is further reinforced by multiple cross market advances like approvals for Samsung Biologics’ SA104 and SK Bioscience’s GBP510 booster.
03 · Category
Major Companies And Performance27 stats
01
Samsung Biologics reported 2023 revenue of 3.68 trillion KRW, up 18% YoY, leading contract development manufacturing.
02
Celltrion's 2023 sales reached 3.15 trillion KRW, with biosimilars like Remsima contributing 45% of revenue.
03
SK Biopharmaceuticals achieved 2023 revenue of 1.42 trillion KRW, driven by epilepsy drug Xcopri exports.
04
GC Biopharma posted 2.91 trillion KRW revenue in 2023, with plasma derivatives at 60% share.
05
Hugel Inc. recorded 2023 sales of 562 billion KRW, botulinum toxin Botulax up 25%.
06
Samsung Biologics signed 15 CMO deals worth USD 4.1 billion in 2023.
07
Celltrion Healthcare exported biosimilars to 110 countries, revenue USD 1.8 billion in 2023.
08
Prestige Biopharma's HD201 (Herceptin biosimilar) approved in Korea, 2023 production capacity 100 million doses.
09
Daewoong Pharmaceutical's Nabota (botox) global sales hit 180 billion KRW in 2023.
10
Hanmi Pharm's Efpeglenatide Phase 3 success, projected peak sales USD 2 billion.
11
Lotte Biologics invested 1.2 trillion KRW in Songdo facility, capacity 240,000L by 2025.
12
Medy-Tox's Neuronox exported to 50 countries, 2023 revenue 310 billion KRW.
13
Boryung Pharmaceutical's Remodulin sales reached 450 billion KRW in 2023.
14
Chong Kun Dang's CKD-012 (GLP-1) entered Phase 3, market potential 1 trillion KRW.
15
Samsung Biologics' Entrisente completed Phase 1, partnership with MSD worth USD 1.2 billion.
16
Celltrion's CT-P27 (COVID antibody) produced 20 million doses in 2023.
17
SK Bioscience's booster vaccine sales USD 500 million in 2023.
18
GC Biopharma's IVIG production capacity expanded to 4 million vials/year.
19
Hugel's beauty division revenue grew 30% to 400 billion KRW in 2023.
20
Daewoong's metabolic drug DW-0518 Phase 2 data showed 15% weight loss.
21
Hanwha Chemical's biosimilar portfolio generated 250 billion KRW in 2023.
22
Progenitor's cell therapy revenue USD 120 million in 2023.
23
Aprogen's APG-777 (diabetes) Phase 2 enrollment completed 2023.
24
Sillajen (Pexa-Vec) Phase 3 liver cancer trial, peak sales forecast USD 1 billion.
25
Peptron's peptide therapeutics sales 150 billion KRW in 2023.
26
Korea Ginseng Corp's bio-products revenue 320 billion KRW, 12% growth.
27
Samsung Biologics ranked #7 global CDMO by revenue USD 2.8 billion in 2023.
Interpretation
Major Companies And Performance Interpretation
In 2023, Korea’s major biopharma players showed strong scale and momentum with Samsung Biologics leading at 3.68 trillion KRW revenue and signing 15 CMO deals worth USD 4.1 billion, while leaders like Celltrion (3.15 trillion KRW) and GC Biopharma (2.91 trillion KRW) also leaned on biosimilars and plasma derivatives to drive growth.
More related reading
04 · Category
Exports And Global Presence26 stats
01
In 2023, Korea exported bio-health products worth USD 14.2 billion, up 12.5% YoY.
02
Biopharmaceutical exports reached USD 8.7 billion in 2023, 61% of total bio exports.
03
Medical devices exports from Korea hit USD 4.1 billion in 2023.
04
Celltrion biosimilars exported to EU, US, generating USD 2.1 billion in 2023.
05
Samsung Biologics' CDMO services exported to 20 countries, USD 2.8 billion revenue.
06
Vaccine exports surged to USD 1.2 billion in 2023 post-COVID.
07
Cosmetics bio-ingredients exports USD 850 million to Asia in 2023.
08
Stem cell products exported to 15 countries, USD 180 million value.
09
Bio similar drugs top export item, 35% market share in EU generics.
10
Korea's bio cluster Incheon exported USD 3.5 billion in 2023.
11
GLP-1 agonists like Celltrion's CT-996 exported to US Phase 3.
12
Diagnostic kits exports USD 650 million, led by COVID tests.
13
Botox alternatives Nabota exported to 60 countries, USD 120 million.
14
GC Biopharma's albumin exported to 40 countries, 1 million units.
15
SK Bioscience's Nuvaxovid vaccine deal with US USD 200 million.
16
Prestige Biopharma's PBG0805 approved in Australia, exports started.
17
Bio-ferment skincare exports to China USD 450 million in 2023.
18
CAR-T therapies pilot exports to SE Asia USD 50 million.
19
mRNA tech licensed to 10 global firms, royalty USD 300 million.
20
Nutraceuticals exports grew 14% to USD 1.1 billion in 2023.
21
Top export markets: US 35%, EU 25%, China 20% of bio exports.
22
Medical robotics exports USD 280 million, up 22%.
23
Biosensor devices to Japan USD 150 million in 2023.
24
Regenerative medicine exports to Middle East USD 90 million.
25
Bio API (active pharma ingredients) exports USD 2.3 billion.
26
Gene therapy vectors exported, 5 deals worth USD 400 million.
Interpretation
Exports And Global Presence Interpretation
In 2023, Korea’s bio exports totaled USD 14.2 billion, up 12.5% year over year, showing strong global reach as biopharmaceuticals led with USD 8.7 billion and vaccine exports rebounded to USD 1.2 billion post COVID.
05 · Category
R&d Investments And Patents26 stats
01
In 2022, Korea's bio R&D expenditure totaled 8.7 trillion KRW, 15.2% increase YoY.
02
Korea filed 12,450 biotech patents in 2023, ranking 4th globally.
03
Government bio R&D budget for 2023 was 2.1 trillion KRW, focused on mRNA tech.
04
Private sector bio R&D investment hit 6.5 trillion KRW in 2022.
05
Korea's biotech patent grants reached 8,920 in 2023, up 11%.
06
KIST's bio research funding USD 250 million in 2023 for AI-drug discovery.
07
KRIBB secured 1,200 new bio patents in 2022.
08
National bio big data platform invested 500 billion KRW since 2020.
09
Korea's stem cell research funding 450 billion KRW in 2023.
10
Biotech university R&D grants totaled 1.2 trillion KRW in 2022.
11
Patent applications in synthetic biology rose 28% to 2,100 in 2023.
12
CAR-T cell therapy R&D funding USD 180 million by MHW in 2023.
13
Korea ranked 3rd in Asia for bio PCT applications with 1,450 filings in 2022.
14
Gene editing patents granted 650 in 2023, led by CRISPR tech.
15
Public bio R&D centers received 900 billion KRW in 2023 budget.
16
AI-biotech convergence R&D projects 320, funding 300 billion KRW in 2022.
17
Microbiome research patents filed 890 in 2023, up 35%.
18
National R&D program for bio-health allocated 1.5 trillion KRW in 2023.
19
Korea's bio invention disclosure rate 92% for funded projects in 2022.
20
Organoid research funding 120 billion KRW, 45 patents filed 2023.
21
mRNA vaccine platform R&D invested 800 billion KRW since COVID.
22
Digital twin for drug dev R&D 200 billion KRW in 2023.
23
Bio convergence patent family size averaged 15 per invention in 2022.
24
Precision oncology R&D grants 350 billion KRW to 120 projects.
25
Korea's bio startups filed 2,500 patents in 2023.
26
MFDS approved 45 new bio products from R&D in 2023.
Interpretation
R&d Investments And Patents Interpretation
Korea’s R and D and patent activity is accelerating, with bio R&D rising to 8.7 trillion KRW in 2022 and biotech patent filings reaching 12,450 in 2023 and 8,920 grants up 11%, showing that investment is translating into measurable IP output.
06 · Category
Industry Overview24 stats
01
Government's Bio Health R&D Special Act allocated 3 trillion KRW over 10 years starting 2023.
02
K-Bio Cluster development plan invests 12 trillion KRW by 2030 in Incheon.
03
Tax credits for bio R&D up to 50% for SMEs under 2023 revision.
04
Fast-track approval for regenerative medicines reduced to 6 months.
05
Bio venture fund of 2 trillion KRW launched by MSIT in 2023.
06
National Bio Big Data Strategy with 1 trillion KRW investment to 2027.
07
MHW's personalized medicine roadmap targets 30% market by 2030.
08
Exemption of clinical trial fees for orphan bio drugs.
09
Songdo International Bio Industry City master plan approved 2023.
10
Green bio manufacturing subsidies up to 30% capex for CDMOs.
11
AI drug discovery consortium with 500 billion KRW public funding.
12
mRNA tech national project 1.2 trillion KRW over 5 years.
13
Bio-health export promotion fund USD 1 billion allocation 2023-2027.
14
Regulatory sandbox for digital therapeutics expanded to 50 products.
15
Patent box regime for bio IP, tax rate 10% effective.
16
Global bio hub status designated with visa incentives for talents.
17
CAR-T manufacturing support 300 billion KRW grants.
18
Precision medicine national cohort 1 million participants funded.
19
Bio convergence 4th industry support law enacted 2023.
20
SME bio accelerator program trained 5,000 personnel since 2020.
21
Vaccine self-reliance policy stockpiled 100 million doses capacity.
22
Clinical trial globalization support USD 100 million annually.
23
Biosimilar fast-track pathway approved 20 products in 2 years.
24
Celltrion's Steqeyma (Steflara biosimilar) got US FDA approval Jan 2024.
Interpretation
Industry Overview Interpretation
Korea’s Bio Industry overview is being driven by large, sustained public investment, including a 3 trillion KRW Bio Health R&D Special Act starting in 2023 and a 12 trillion KRW Incheon cluster plan by 2030, complemented by accelerated pathways like regenerative medicine approvals cut to 6 months and up to 50% SME R&D tax credits.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Rachel Svensson. (2026, February 13). Korea Bio Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/korea-bio-industry-statistics
MLA
Rachel Svensson. "Korea Bio Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/korea-bio-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Rachel Svensson. 2026. "Korea Bio Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/korea-bio-industry-statistics.