Expanding into South Korea: What international businesses need to know.

South Korea continues to strengthen its position as one of Asia’s most attractive destinations for foreign investment. In 2025, the country achieved a record USD 36 billion in foreign direct investment, marking its fifth consecutive year of growth, with strong momentum across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, AI, technology, semiconductors and R&D. Investment from both the US and the EU also continued to grow, highlighting South Korea’s position as a strategic gateway to North Asia.

With a highly skilled workforce, world-class infrastructure and a globally competitive innovation ecosystem, the country offers significant opportunities for international businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in Asia.

But what is the best way to enter the market? Should you set up a subsidiary, branch office or liaison office? What are the differences in taxation, liability and operational flexibility? How long does the process take, and what compliance obligations should foreign companies expect?

This practical webinar is designed for international businesses exploring opportunities in South Korea. Acclime’s experts will compare the different market entry structures and their pros and cons, walk through setup requirements and timelines, explain key tax and compliance considerations and share practical lessons learned from supporting foreign companies entering the Korean market.

Agenda

• Market overview: why South Korea is attracting record levels of foreign investment
• Comparing entry structures: subsidiary, branch office and liaison office
• Setup requirements, process and typical timelines
• Key tax, liability and compliance obligations for foreign companies
• Practical lessons learned from recent market entrants
• Q&A

Speakers

• Florian Braunsteiner – Commercial Director, North Asia, Acclime
• Luna Kim – Country Director, South Korea, Acclime