
A delayed onset of winter in South Korea has driven a surge in demand for premium bedding. (Image courtesy of Lotte Department Store)
SEOUL, Jan. 23 (Korea Bizwire) — A delayed onset of winter in South Korea has driven a surge in demand for premium bedding, with sales of goose-down and wool comforters soaring as temperatures plummeted in recent weeks.
Major department stores, including Lotte, Shinsegae, and Hyundai, reported a 10% year-over-year increase in overall bedding sales from December 2024 to mid-January 2025. Sales of high-end imported brands and premium bedding, often priced above 1 million won ($760), grew at rates two to three times higher.
Lotte Department Store saw its bedding sales growth accelerate from 10% in December 2024 to 15% in January 2025, with imported bedding sales jumping 30%. Shinsegae reported a 12.7% rise in total bedding sales during the same period, while sales of imported bedding rose by 21.1%. Hyundai Department Store noted a similar trend, with luxury domestic and imported bedding sales increasing by 15%.
The sharp drop in temperatures, with lows dipping below -10°C, has pushed customers to prioritize warmth over cost. Demand has surged for high-fill-power goose-down comforters, known for their superior insulation and loft.
“Since December, as temperatures plunged, interest in goose-down bedding has grown significantly,” said Moon Ji-hee, Bedding and Kitchenware Team Leader at Lotte Department Store. “Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing factors like goose-down content and fill power to ensure maximum warmth.”
The trend also reflects growing interest in the “sleeponomics” market—products and services designed to enhance sleep quality. Consumers, particularly those sensitive to temperature and texture or struggling with sleep disorders, are willing to invest in premium bedding for better rest.
Luxury imported goose-down comforters can exceed 3 million won ($2,300), with many customers seeking materials that combine warmth, comfort, and functionality. Lightweight options like super-loft plus comforters, which offer high volume and insulation without added weight, have also gained popularity. Allergy-conscious buyers are increasingly opting for hypoallergenic products.
“Customers are looking beyond thickness, choosing bedding that balances lightness and warmth,” said a department store representative. “The rise in sleep-focused lifestyles is driving demand for functional and premium bedding.”
The growing interest in high-end bedding aligns with broader consumer trends emphasizing wellness and comfort, making sleep products a key area of growth in South Korea’s retail market.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)