As South Korea continues to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure in the face of emerging infectious diseases, the role of advanced diagnostics has become more critical than ever. Against this background, the market for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) systems in South Korea is projected to grow at a 4 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during 2025-36, according to 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 accounted for around 3 per cent of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) PCR systems market in 2024.
South Korea-based Seegene Inc, a global company in molecular diagnostics, is revolutionising laboratory automation with its innovative CURECA system, specifically designed to streamline PCR testing. This advanced system enhances efficiency and effectiveness in clinical diagnostics by reducing manual tasks and simplifying workflows, which ultimately minimises the risk of human error in laboratory environments.
Nidhi Bharti, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments, “As the complexity of disease detection increases and decentralised testing becomes more prevalent, automated PCR systems are evolving into advanced platforms that offer more than mere workflow efficiency. These systems now incorporate real-time analytics, stringent quality control measures, and remote operability features. Such enhancements empower laboratories to make informed, data-driven decisions and uphold precision during public health emergencies.”
Automated PCR systems are increasingly being adopted not just for infectious disease detection but also for broader applications such as genetic disorder screening and oncology diagnostics. Their ability to integrate with digital platforms enables instant result transmission and centralised monitoring, which supports coordinated healthcare responses and facilitates large-scale testing initiatives during public health crises.
Bharti concludes, “Advancements in automated PCR technologies, such as remote access for decentralised testing and built-in quality control, are transforming diagnostics. These innovations enable faster and more precise pathogen detection, even in resource-limited settings. By facilitating earlier outbreak detection and enhancing diagnostic speed, these systems strengthen healthcare responses to infectious diseases, improve disease surveillance systems, and support timely containment strategies.”
