Global Companies in Korea — Oct 4, 2026
Hayfin Capital has opened a Seoul office, signaling a wave of global financial firms entering South Korea. Meanwhile, South Korea's U.S. investment pledges are taking shape, boosting active capital flows between the two countries.
Global Companies in Korea — Oct 4, 2026
Top developments
Hayfin Capital Management Opens Seoul Office
Hayfin Capital Management opened a new office in Seoul on Thursday, following an investment from Samsung Life, as part of efforts to expand its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region.
South Korea's U.S. Energy Investments Kick Off
The first project under South Korea's promised $200 billion U.S. investment package has taken concrete shape. South Korea and the U.S. officially announced the first investment plan on Thursday—a $22.3 billion gas-fired power plant project in Texas. This is expected to accelerate Korean corporate expansion into the U.S. over the next five years.
South Korea's Outbound Direct Investment Up 32%
South Korea's outbound direct investment grew 32.3% year-over-year in the second quarter to reach $20.32 billion, driven mainly by the financial and telecommunications sectors. More domestic companies are also venturing into overseas markets like Japan's gaming industry to escape saturation at home.
Deals, expansion & investment
SBVA Expands Investments in Global Data & AI Firms Korean venture capital firm SBVA broadened its global portfolio by participating in Databricks' $5.0 billion investment round.
Japanese Seafood Donburi Brand 'Tsujihan' Opens in Apgujeong, Seoul Tokyo-born seafood donburi specialty brand 'Tsujihan' opened for business in Apgujeong, Seoul, on October 2, highlighting the ongoing trend of Japanese restaurant franchises expanding into South Korea.
Regulation & market context
South Korean Government Eases Corporate Investment Regulations The South Korean government announced corporate investment stimulus measures, including permitting integrated electrical and telecommunications procurement for semiconductor fabs and easing regulations on farm-linked solar power. Efforts to lower entry barriers for foreign investors are underway, such as shortening the approval period for Hyundai Motor's Ulsan plant from three years to one.
On the radar
- Legal Issues Surface in Overseas Wind Power Investments: Long-term investment protection is becoming a key debate point as foreign investors participate in South Korean offshore wind projects.
- Active M&A in Korean Biotech: Mergers and acquisitions between venture capital firms and startups continue to show an upward trend.
- Corporate Hiring Season in Full Swing: Major conglomerates like Hankook & Company and Hoban Group are actively recruiting new and experienced hires through early October.
By the numbers
- South Korea Q2 Outbound Direct Investment: $20.32 billion, up 32.3% year-over-year
- First U.S. Energy Investment Scale: $22.3 billion Texas gas-fired power plant project
- South Korea's U.S. Investment Pledge: $200 billion over the next 5 years
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