Global Companies in Korea — 2026-09-09
Four US semiconductor and clean energy firms have finalized a total of $2 billion (approx. 2.8 trillion won) in investments in Korea, while autonomous robotaxi firm Waymo officially expressed its desire to enter the Korean market just a month after establishing its local corporate entity. Meanwhile, global luxury flash sale platform OnTheList opened its first permanent offline store in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, kicking off its aggressive offline market expansion.
Global Companies in Korea — 2026-09-09
Top developments
미국 반도체·에너지 기업, 한국에 20억 달러 투자 확정
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on September 3–4 that four US companies in the semiconductor materials, equipment, and clean energy sectors (including Axcelis and Corning) have filed notifications to invest a total of $2 billion (approx. 2.8 trillion won) to strengthen domestic supply chains. This reaffirms Korea's position as a key hub for global supply chains amid US-China conflicts and tariff issues.
웨이모(Waymo), 한국 법인 설립 후 공식 진출 의사 표명
Steven Han, Vice President of Policy at global autonomous robotaxi firm Waymo, officially stated in a recent interview that the company hopes to enter the Korean market. Waymo established a Korean corporate entity last July, and this remark is drawing industry attention in tandem with discussions on easing local autonomous driving regulations.
온더리스트(OnTheList), 청담동에 한국 첫 정규 매장 오픈
Membership-based luxury flash sale platform OnTheList opened its first permanent domestic store on the 8th in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. This marks its fifth permanent store worldwide, representing a strategic move to expand its traditionally online-centric business model into offline channels to broaden brand collaborations and customer touchpoints.
다올투자증권-인터랙티브 브로커스(IBKR), 글로벌 트레이딩 플랫폼 제휴
Daol Investment & Securities has teamed up with US-based global brokerage firm Interactive Brokers (IBKR) to launch a new trading platform called "DAOL Fi PRO." Through this collaboration, they aim to lower barriers for Korean investors accessing global markets while creating synergy by combining IBKR’s global network with Daol’s local services.
Deals, expansion & investment
- 외국계 반도체 인력 영입 경쟁 심화: Foreign semiconductor companies are stepping up efforts to recruit Korean engineers by offering stock grants worth over 100 million won in annual compensation and exceptional benefits, timed right with major domestic conglomerates like Samsung Electronics' recruitment season for new graduates. This indicates that the fierce global race for talent has extended into the Korean market.
Regulation & market context
- 글로벌 화장품 규제 협력체(GCORAS) 발족: The Global Cosmetics Regulatory Authorities Summit (GCORAS)—the world's first regulatory cooperative body involving 15 institutions across 12 countries—was launched in Seoul. This move strengthens cooperation among regulatory authorities worldwide in step with the global expansion of K-beauty.
On the radar
- 치폴레, 모바일 주문 채널 확대: Following the opening of its first Asian store in Gangnam, US fast-casual Mexican brand Chipotle is preparing to launch a Korea-exclusive app. Plans are also underway to introduce pickup ordering services through the Galaxy Store and other platforms.
- 글로벌 외식 브랜드 잇단 한국행: Overseas dining brands such as Japan's Moheji and I'm Donut, alongside China's Chagee, are opening stores one after another in major Seoul commercial hubs like Gangnam and Seongsu.
By the numbers
- $2 billion (약 2조 8,000억 원): The total amount finalized for investment in Korea by four US semiconductor and energy firms.
- 100 million won (1억 원): The annual compensation level (including stock grants) offered by foreign semiconductor firms to attract Korean engineers.
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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