Dehumidifiers, drying machine demand rising due to rainy season in Korea

Winix’s “Winix Possong Dehumidifier” [Photo provided by Winix]

Demand for dehumidifiers and drying machines in South Korea has surged due to extreme rainfall and persistent rainy episodes occurring throughout various parts of the country.

According to industry sources on Monday, sales of Winix’s “Winix Possong Dehumidifier” from May to mid-July jumped by 45 percent compared with the same period last year. Considering the recent sales figures, it is expected to show about 70 percent surge by the end of this month. In a survey conducted by Electro Land, a major electronics retailer, dehumidifier sales in June alone grew by 89 percent from a year ago.

Sales of the “Minix Mini Dryer Machine” offered by Athome grew by 20 percent in April and 100 percent in May compared with the previous year. Minix, which debuted at nine Traders Wholesale Club stores on June 23, sold out all inventory within two weeks. Winix’s mini dryer machine, launched in late August last year, also saw a 65 percent jump in sales from May to July compared with the average sales from January to April this year.

Home appliances that circulate indoor air, such as circulators, have also gained attention during the rainy season. Air circulators help circulate indoor air with high-speed directional airflow, effectively reducing moisture during the rainy season. They can also be used during laundry drying to shorten drying time and prevent musty odors or bacterial growth.

Another noteworthy household appliance during this season is rice storage device. Rice can lose its taste and texture while attracting insects if stored in a humid environment. In response, Lock&Lock Co. released the Vacuum Rice Storage in April, which automatically detects internal pressure every 12 hours and removes air to store rice in a vacuum state. The product sold out its initial inventory within three months.