Analysis on Economic Ripple Effects of the Korean Water Industry

Water is an essential element required for the survival of 6 billion human beings around the world, and it has limited mobility. The importance of water industry has grown considerably, as its forecasted market size is expected to increase from $336 billion in 2007 to $865 billion in 2025, respectively. In 2003, the domestic water market was estimated to be worth 11 trillion won. However, according to the estimates of this research, the result above was overestimated by 2 trillion won. The economic ripple effects of newly defined water industry based on the input-output data from 2000 to 2008 were trivial, as the price effects of water industry was considerably minor at only 0.12%. To successfully implement policies to enhance the water industry, the market price mechanism must operate and function