Box Office - South Korea
- South Korea
- In South Korea, revenue in the Box Office market is projected to reach €1.15bn in 2025.
- Revenue in this region is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 2.51%, resulting in a projected market volume of €1.27bn by 2029.
- The number of viewers in the South Korean Box Office market is expected to amount to 35.8m users by 2029.
- User penetration in South Korea will be 65.8% in 2025 and is expected to increase to 69.7% by 2029.
- The average revenue per viewer in this market is expected to amount to €33.76.
- In global comparison, most revenue in the Box Office market will be generated the United States, with a projection of €10,480.00m in 2025.
- South Korea's box office is increasingly prioritizing homegrown films, reflecting a growing national pride and cultural resonance in cinematic storytelling.
Key regions: South Korea, United Kingdom, Germany, United States, Europe
Analyst Opinion
The Box Office Market of the Cinema Market in South Korea is experiencing mild growth, influenced by factors such as evolving audience preferences, the impact of streaming services, and the resurgence of local films, which are attracting more viewers to theaters.
Customer preferences: Consumers in South Korea are increasingly favoring immersive cinematic experiences that combine traditional storytelling with cutting-edge technology, such as augmented reality and virtual reality features in theaters. This trend reflects a growing desire for unique, engaging experiences beyond home viewing options. Additionally, younger audiences are gravitating towards local narratives that resonate with their cultural identity, while older demographics are drawn to nostalgic films, highlighting a diverse array of film preferences across age groups.
Trends in the market: In South Korea, the Box Office Market is experiencing a surge in demand for cinematic experiences that integrate advanced technologies like augmented and virtual reality. This shift underscores a consumer preference for immersive storytelling that transcends traditional viewing methods. Concurrently, younger audiences are increasingly drawn to films that reflect their cultural narratives, while older viewers often seek out nostalgic content, creating a diverse landscape of film consumption. These trends are significant as they compel industry stakeholders to innovate and diversify offerings, ensuring they cater to the evolving preferences of an increasingly segmented audience.
Local special circumstances: In South Korea, the Box Office Market is uniquely shaped by the nation's rich cultural heritage and technological advancements. The integration of K-pop and Korean dramas into films reflects a deep-rooted cultural connection, attracting both local and international audiences. Moreover, government support for the film industry, including funding and promotional initiatives, has fostered a vibrant creative environment. The country's advanced digital infrastructure further enhances the cinematic experience, enabling innovative marketing strategies and the rise of streaming platforms, which complement traditional box office revenue.
Underlying macroeconomic factors: The South Korean Box Office Market is significantly influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending trends, economic growth rates, and global market dynamics. A robust national economy, characterized by rising disposable incomes and low unemployment, encourages higher ticket sales and spending on entertainment. Additionally, the increasing popularity of Korean content globally, driven by the Hallyu wave, enhances international box office revenues. Fiscal policies that support cultural industries through tax incentives and grants further stimulate film production. Moreover, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates affect the profitability of films that rely on international markets, making global economic stability a crucial factor in market performance.
Methodology
Data coverage:
The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the Cinema market, which comprises revenues from box office, advertsing and concessions. The market includes both consumer and advertising spending. All monetary figures refer to consumer spending on tickets and concessions. This spending factors in discounts, margins, and taxes.Modeling approach / market size:
The market size is determined through a bottom-up approach. We use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies and industry associations, third-party studies and reports, survey results from our primary research (e.g., Consumer Insights), as well as performance factors (e.g., user penetration, price per product, usage) to analyze the markets. To estimate the market size for each country individually, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific industry associations, such as various macroeconomic indicators, historical developments, current trends, and reported performance indicators of key market players. In particular, we consider average prices and annual purchase frequencies.Forecasts:
We apply a variety of forecasting techniques, depending on the behavior of the relevant market. For instance, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing are well suited for forecasting digital products and services due to the non-linear growth of technology adoption. The main drivers are GDP per capita, consumer spending per capita, and 4G coverage.Additional notes:
The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is considered at a country-specific level. The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year. In some cases, the data is updated on an ad hoc basis (e.g., when new, relevant data has been released or significant changes within the market have an impact on the projected development). Consumer Insights data is reweighted for representativeness.Vue d’ensemble
- Revenue
- Analyst Opinion
- Users
- Key Players
- Global Comparison
- Methodology
- Key Market Indicators