Overseas Tableware Brands Make Successful Inroads in Korea

The collection comes with five different types of dishware, and it marks the first time that the company launches products specifically for an Asian country’s market. (image: Iittala)

SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – The recent hype in Korea over cooking, dining and interior design is helping overseas dishware brands make a successful entrance in the Korean market. 

Iittala, a Finnish household supplies manufacturer specializing in tableware and cookware, recently introduced a dishware collection called Teema Tiimi that reflects upon Korea’s dining culture, which tends to include several pieces of dishware including rice and soup bowls and side dishes. 

The collection comes with five different types of dishware, and it marks the first time that the company launches products specifically for an Asian country’s market. 

According to Iittala, the collection comes with five different types of dishware, and the designs emphasize both simplicity and practicality. Korean designer Cho Kyu-hyung participated in the planning and production process, a company official said. 

Another Scandinavian brand making headway in Korea is Denmark’s Royal Copenhagen. 

Royal Copenhagen first introduced a dishware collection focusing on Korean dining culture in 2013, and has since released various products targeting domestic consumers. Ahead of this year’s Seollal (Lunar New Year) holiday, the company even presented a set of bowls for tteokguk (rice-cake soup), an iconic dish for the occasion.

Ahead of this year’s Seollal (Lunar New Year) holiday, the company even presented a set of bowls for tteokguk (rice-cake soup), an iconic dish for the occasion. (image: Royal Copenhagen)

World Kitchen brand Corelle’s latest endeavor in Korea is highlighted by Market Street New York, a casual premium line of dishware products. 

The products come in five different types – Blooming Blue, Silver Bijou, Golden Infinity, Hydragea, Peony Bouquet – each with their own distinct design. 

“(The new product line) is roughly twice as expensive as our lowest-priced line of dishware, but we expect it to be in high demand especially with Korea’s rising interest in kitchenware and household items,” said a World Kitchen official.

(image: World Kitchen)

Industry watchers point to the increasing awareness among Koreans of dining and cooking, on top of more active direct purchases from overseas platforms as contributing factors to rising demand for foreign dishware. The fact that a typical Korean meal constitutes several different dishes, thus requiring diverse dishware, is also an attractive  element for overseas companies.

“I expect the popularity of foreign dishware brands to continue for the time being, given the latest craze over cooking, along with the social trend of paying more attention to household items and kitchenware,” said an industry watcher.

By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)