Korean Companies in Southeast Asia — 2026-09-06
South Korea’s state-backed resource development strategy is shifting toward equity stakes in overseas projects, impacting energy and mineral partnerships in Indonesia and Vietnam. Simultaneously, Vietnam reported a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) registrations, with South Korea remaining a top investor as Samsung advances its $4.08 billion chip packaging project.
Korean Companies in Southeast Asia — 2026-09-06
Korea Gas Corp & Korea National Oil Corp Strategy Shift
The merged Korean state oil and gas entity is pivoting its overseas resource development strategy to prioritize equity stakes rather than direct operations, a move announced on September 6, 2026. This strategic realignment aims to mitigate risks associated with direct operational control in volatile markets like Indonesia and Vietnam, where Korean firms have historically held significant energy and mining assets. The shift signals a more cautious, financially-driven approach to securing critical minerals and energy supplies essential for Korean manufacturing hubs in Southeast Asia.
Samsung Electronics Chip Packaging Expansion in Vietnam
Samsung is progressing with its $4.08 billion investment in a chip testing and packaging facility in Vietnam, with reports from September 2, 2026, indicating the installation of 1,612 new pieces of equipment. This facility will deepen Vietnam’s role beyond final assembly into advanced semiconductor back-end processes, reinforcing Vietnam’s status as a critical node in Samsung’s global supply chain. The move underscores the continued diversification of Korean tech manufacturing away from China and into ASEAN neighbors with stable political and economic ties.
Vietnam FDI Registrations Surge 55.4%
Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment reported that total registered FDI for the first eight months of 2026 rose by 55.4% year-on-year, reaching significant highs. Disbursed FDI also grew by 12% to $17.25 billion, marking the highest eight-month disbursement figure in five years. South Korea remains among the largest investors, with this robust inflow reflecting sustained confidence in Vietnam’s manufacturing ecosystem despite global economic headwinds.
Export Growth Drives Regional Demand
South Korea’s exports reached $709.4 billion in the first eight months of 2026, surpassing the full-year record of 2025, driven largely by AI-related chip demand. This export boom benefits Korean subsidiaries in Southeast Asia that supply components or assemble goods for global markets. The strong performance highlights the resilience of Korean supply chains integrated across Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Deals, expansion & investment
- Vietnam Semiconductor Plant: A new $1 billion semiconductor plant in Vietnam is scheduled to break ground in Q3 2026, covering an area equivalent to 45 soccer fields. While specific Korean ownership was not detailed in the immediate report, such large-scale infrastructure often involves Korean technology partners or equipment suppliers given the country's dominance in the sector.
- K-Tech Export Push: South Korea announced a plan on September 4, 2026, to boost small-business exports by 50% to $180 billion by 2030, supporting 500 "K-Tech" firms. This initiative likely includes expanded market access strategies for SMEs in Southeast Asia, moving beyond traditional K-beauty to industrial goods and technology.
Regulation & market context
- Tokenized Securities Roadmap: The Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Korea announced on September 4, 2026, a three-stage roadmap to expand tokenized securities to stocks, bonds, and funds. This regulatory modernization could facilitate cross-border capital flows and investment vehicles relevant to Korean conglomerates operating in ASEAN markets.
On the radar
- Indonesia Nickel Incentives: Korean battery makers are closely watching Indonesia’s upcoming regulatory incentives for nickel-based batteries, which could determine the pace of further upstream investments by companies like LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI.
- Thai EV Competition: Toyota’s recent investment announcements in Vietnam are putting pressure on Thailand to retain its automotive dominance, potentially affecting Korean auto-parts suppliers based in Bangkok who rely on Thai assembly lines.
By the numbers
- $709.4 billion: Total South Korean exports in the first 8 months of 2026, surpassing the previous annual record.
- $17.25 billion: Disbursed FDI in Vietnam for the first 8 months of 2026, up 12% year-on-year.
- $4.08 billion: Estimated value of Samsung’s ongoing chip packaging facility investment in Vietnam.
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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