South Korea Smartphone Market Declines 0.5% in Q1 2026 as Premium and Foldable Demand Remains Strong

South Korea’s smartphone market recorded shipments of 3.78 million units in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 0.5 percent year-on-year decline, according to IDC. The smartphone market in South Korea remained resilient despite economic uncertainty, with premium smartphones and foldable devices continuing to attract consumers, while competition intensified in the mid-range and budget segments. 5G devices accounted for 95.5 percent of South Korea’s smartphone market in Q1 2026, supported by