Kolmar Korea Expands Sejong Output for Global K-Beauty Demand
The South Korean ODM's increased capacity at its Sejong plant follows a government designation for reshoring, aiming to meet rising international demand for Korean beauty products.
Kolmar Korea Expands Sejong Production
Kolmar Korea announced plans on 12 October 2026 to increase production capacity at its cosmetics manufacturing facility in Sejong, South Korea. This expansion aims to address growing international demand for Korean-made beauty products.
The company received a government designation as a reshoring company for this investment, following its decision to close its Beijing plant earlier in 2026. The Sejong plant currently produces 890 million cosmetic items each year, including all of Kolmar Korea's sunscreen and skincare lines. This strategic move reinforces the company's commitment to supporting the global reach of K-beauty.
Skincare and Sun Care Drive Growth
The Sejong facility is central to Kolmar Korea's operations, manufacturing 890 million cosmetic products annually. It is responsible for the entire production of the company's skincare and sun care ranges. Skincare products represent 50 percent of Kolmar Korea's total sales, while sun care accounts for 26 percent.
This focus aligns with broader trends in the Korean beauty sector: cosmetics emerged as the top export category for South Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the first half of 2026. These exports collectively rose by 30.7 percent year-on-year, reaching a total of $5.07 billion.
Government Backs K-Beauty Manufacturing
Minister of SMEs and Startups Lee So-young visited Kolmar Korea's Sejong plant on 16 October 2026, touring the production facilities and engaging with company executives. Discussions focused on challenges within the beauty industry and potential government support for cosmetics manufacturers.
As South Korea's first original design manufacturer (ODM) for cosmetics, Kolmar Korea plays a key role in the industry. CEO Choi Hyun-kyu stated the company's dedication to enhancing the competitiveness of small and independent brands in international markets. He added that Kolmar Korea will continue collaborating with clients to contribute to K-beauty's expansion. The company assists indie brands with product development, quality control, and market entry abroad.
Implications for Asian Beauty Brands
Kolmar Korea's expansion and government reshoring designation signal continued support for domestic K-beauty manufacturing, offering increased capacity for both established and emerging brands.
For Asian indie beauty brands, particularly those looking to launch or scale K-beauty products, this means potentially greater access to high-volume, quality-controlled production within South Korea.
The emphasis on supporting SMEs in overseas markets, as stated by CEO Choi Hyun-kyu, suggests that contract manufacturing partners like Kolmar Korea could become even more critical for brands seeking to enter new export territories without needing to establish their own manufacturing infrastructure. This move solidifies South Korea's position as a key global production hub for cosmetics.
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