Global Companies in Korea — Oct 31, 2026
As the South Korean government drives massive investments and deregulation to attract global enterprises and build AI infrastructure, the influx of global capital and technology into the South Korean market is accelerating—highlighted by Hyundai Motor Group's 9 trillion KRW investment in Saemangeum and Korea Investment Management's launch of a Morgan Stanley fund-linked product. In addition, new partnerships and entry cases have been reported across various industries, such as Chinese robotics firm DOBOT announcing its entry into Korea and global growth partner Front Row opening a Seoul office.
Global Companies in Korea — 2026-10-31
Top developments
Hyundai Motor Group Invests 9 Trillion KRW in AI and Hydrogen City in Saemangeum
As Hyundai Motor Group confirmed a 9 trillion KRW investment for an AI and hydrogen city project in the Saemangeum National Industrial Complex, the Saemangeum Development Agency has opened a new local office at the 'Tech Biz Plaza' in the 1st industrial complex. This move is seen as part of strengthening cooperation between the government and corporations to foster Saemangeum into a global physical AI hub.
Korea Investment Management Launches Feeder Fund Linked to $12.2B Morgan Stanley Fund
Korea Investment Management has launched a feeder fund that invests in Morgan Stanley's $12.2 billion Global Opportunity Fund. Sold exclusively within Korea, this product provides domestic investors with a gateway to access the active strategies of a major global asset manager.
Chinese Robotics Firm DOBOT Declares Entry into South Korean Market
Chinese robotics company DOBOT (Shenzhen Yuejiang Technology) has formalized its intent to enter the South Korean market. Expanding its business scope beyond collaborative robots into humanoids and quadrupedal robots, DOBOT's entry into Korea is expected to create new opportunities and competitive dynamics in the Gyeongsangbuk-do manufacturing sector.
Global Growth Partner Front Row Opens Seoul Office
Front Row, a global e-commerce growth partner, has opened a new office in Seoul to support South Korean brands in entering the U.S. market. This office will serve as a hub helping rapidly growing Korean beauty, healthcare, and pharmaceutical brands secure leadership on global platforms like Amazon and TikTok.
Deals, expansion & investment
Pebblestone Acquires 'T Tower' Near Seoul Station
U.S.-based asset management firm Pebblestone Asset Management has acquired the 'T Tower', a prime office building near Seoul Station, for 348.8 billion KRW (approx. $260 million). This deal, in which the National Pension Service (NPS) participated as a co-investor, demonstrates global capital's interest in core South Korean real estate assets.
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy Reaches $36B in Global Corporate Investment Attraction
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy revealed that South Korea is pursuing a triple strategy to attract investments from global companies, citing a record-breaking $36 billion in investment attraction performance. Notably, Amkor Technology's Gwangju plant expansion plan was highlighted as a representative example of this investment trend.
Regulation & market context
Government to Nurture 200 Pharmaceutical and Biotech Ventures as 'Frontier Companies' by 2030
The government plans to designate 200 pharmaceutical and biotech venture companies as 'frontier companies' by 2030 and invest a total of 60 billion KRW. By selecting 50 companies annually and supporting their entry into global markets, the policy reflects the intent to position South Korea as a global biotech investment hub.
Big Tech Data Center Investments and AI Infrastructure Expansion
Global big tech companies' AI data center investments in South Korea are taking concrete shape in line with the 'AI alliance' stance. This is linked to the trend of accelerating infrastructure investments triggered by the Gyeongju APEC summit, and combined with national-level AI chip and data center investment drives, the importance of the South Korean market is being highlighted.
On the radar
- Ministry of Employment and Labor's Global Career Restart Job Fair: Held on October 29 at COEX Magok, this recruiting event connected youths with overseas experience to 45 domestic companies. It is part of efforts to promote the inflow of global talent domestically.
- HanmiGlobal and Turner & Townsend Korea Second-Half Recruitment: Construction management (PM) specialist firm HanmiGlobal and British joint venture Turner & Townsend Korea are holding their second-half new employee recruitment through November 8. This showcases the domestic transplantation of global construction management know-how.
- Chinese Fashion and Beauty Brands' Entry into Korean Retail: Through Seongsu-dong pop-up stores and department store partnerships, Chinese fashion and beauty brands are actively entering the South Korean retail market. Following the F&B boom, Chinese brands targeting the MZ generation are standing out in the Korean market.
By the numbers
- 9 trillion KRW: The investment scale poured by Hyundai Motor Group into the Saemangeum AI and hydrogen city project
- 348.8 billion KRW: The purchase price of T Tower near Seoul Station acquired by Pebblestone along with the National Pension Service
- $36 billion: The global corporate investment attraction performance achieved by South Korea as announced by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy
- 60 billion KRW: Funds to be invested by the government to nurture pharmaceutical and biotech frontier companies by 2030
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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