With the rise of emerging infectious diseases in South Korea, the importance of advanced diagnostics is becoming increasingly evident. Consequently, South Korea’s polymerase chain reaction (PCR) systems market is expected to experience a 4 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2034, forecasts GlobalData.
GlobalData’s report, “Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Systems Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement, Installed Base and Forecast to 2036,” reveals that South Korea’s automated qPCR market accounted for around 60 per cent of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) PCR systems market in 2024. This share reflects South Korea’s steady adoption of updated diagnostic techniques, and gradual automation in laboratories.
South Korea is also improving real-time monitoring of disease outbreaks and facilitating more proactive clinical responses using devices such as STAgora, a next-generation infectious disease analytics platform that integrates artificial intelligence with PCR data analytics.
Anindita Ghosh, Medical Devices Analyst, GlobalData, comments, “South Korea’s gradual shift towards automated PCR systems highlights a steady move towards data-driven and precision diagnostics. While the market remains relatively small, the integration of AI and PCR systems is enhancing disease monitoring and supporting more timely clinical decision-making.”
Additionally, the adoption of multiplex PCR assays, capable of detecting multiple pathogens in a single test, is contributing to improved testing efficiency, reduced laboratory costs, and broader disease coverage. Alongside advancements such as automation and AI integration, these developments are enabling broader disease detection and supporting healthcare providers in better managing respiratory infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and antimicrobial resistance more effectively, which are the key areas of concern in infectious disease control.
Ghosh concludes, “Automation and digital tools are steadily influencing diagnostic workflows in South Korea. By leveraging smart PCR systems with integrated dashboards, laboratories are minimising manual errors and improving efficiency, supporting more streamlined operations. South Korea shows potential for future development in the APAC PCR market with the right strategic initiatives.”