Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
LG, Samsung capitalizing on surging air purifier demand
By Baek Byung-yeul
Models introduce LG Electronics' Puri Care 360 air purifier in this photo provided by the company, Oct. 22. / Courtesy of LG Electronics
By Baek Byung-yeul
Home appliance makers such as LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics have launched new air purifiers to attract the growing number of consumers who are becoming increasingly concerned about worsening air quality in the upcoming winter season.
Korea has been plagued by heavy fine dust from late fall to spring. As it is especially hard to open windows at home, more consumers here are purchasing air purifiers.
In dealing with fine dust, home appliance makers are benefiting from the fast growing air purifier market. While about a half million air purifiers were sold in 2014, the market grew to about 1.4 million last year. Industry watchers presume it will grow to 2.5 million this year.
LG Electronics said Monday it launched an updated version of its Puri Care 360 air purifier. The premium air purifiers, which start at 790,000 won, is one of the most popular air purifiers here. Equipped with a 360-degree circulation and filtration system, the product is known for a six-layer filter system that efficiently removes fine dust in rooms.
LG said the new version can cover rooms of up to 100 square meters. The previous Puri Care 360 devices were available in four different sizes including 51.5, 58, 81 and 91 square meters, but the new version can cover a wider range of 54.5, 62, 91 and 100 square meters.
“Air purifiers have been increasingly used not only at home but also in various public places such as kindergartens, hospitals and schools,” an LG official said, adding the company is also aiming business-to-business air purifier market. “The new Puri Care 360 will be suitable for those public spaces as it can cover more spaces.”
A model poses with Samsung Electronics' Cube air purifier in this photo provided by the company, Oct. 15. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics also recently unveiled new colors for its Cube air purifiers. While silver and white were the only available ones for the Cube air purifier, but Samsung has added metal brown to offer more options to consumers.
Samsung said the Cube was recognized by the British Allergy Foundation and the U.S. Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers for its ability to eradicate fine dust and substances that causes allergies.
In the air purifier market that has no absolute leaders, minor manufacturers such as Daewoo Electronics and Dayou Winia are also attracting consumers with Klasse and Winia air purifiers.
“The air purifier market here is expected to reach 2 trillion won this year. Daewoo also has seen an increase in sales in the air purifier market. As the air purifier market moves into peak season in winter, we expect more consumers to buy the devices,” said a Daewoo official.