Over the decades, South Korea has been praised as a notable success story, achieving impressive GDP growth rates averaging around 7 percent since the mid-1960s. Historically, the country heavily relied on foreign borrowing to drive its rapid development. However, the Asian financial crisis of 1997 acted as a wake-up call, leading to criticism of its closed economy and extensive government control over economic activities.
In response to the crisis, significant policy adjustments were made, indicating a shift towards a more open economy and a renewed focus on foreign investment. The International Monetary Fund stepped in with a bailout package contingent upon economic liberalization, which included opening up capital and real estate markets to foreign entities. Consequently, South Korea embraced globalization, using foreign investment to stimulate its economic recovery.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been instrumental in rejuvenating the country's economy, becoming a fundamental aspect of its economic structure. Inbound investments have steadily risen, solidifying their position as a primary driver of South Korea's economic growth trajectory.
Before 1997, South Korea experienced occasional economic slowdowns, but the Korean financial crisis prompted a significant reevaluation of the country's restrictive economic policies. Subsequently, there was a substantial overhaul of laws governing foreign investment to attract more capital and assist in rebuilding the economy.
A notable change was the revision allowing foreign investment without prior approval from the Ministry of Finance and Economy. Instead, compliance with either the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA) or the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act (FETA) became the prerequisite for foreign investment.
Under the FIPA, foreign investments are regulated, with approvals overseen by the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy. Conversely, reports under the FETA can be submitted to a foreign exchange bank unless extraordinary circumstances necessitate direct reporting to the Bank of Korea.
The FETA applies to foreign currency transactions or cross-border transactions, particularly for investments below 100 million won or minority interest acquisitions below 10%.
South Korea is well-known for its business-friendly environment, ranking 16th out of 160 economies worldwide for ease of doing business, according to Forbes. This ranking considers factors such as economic and political stability, ease of business initiation, business infrastructure, security, corporate taxes, and the percentage of educated employees.
To set up and register a business in South Korea, adherence to the procedures outlined by the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA) is mandatory. These procedures typically take an average of four to six weeks to complete and include:
With the exception of sectors where Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is restricted in Korea, all foreign companies have the liberty to establish a branch in Korea. This entails registering with the relevant tax office and court registry. It's important to note that depending on the sector involved, additional approval from the relevant ministries may be necessary.
Foreign companies are permitted to set up liaison (representative) offices in Korea, although they are subject to more limitations compared to Joint Stock and limited liability companies. These offices are prohibited from engaging in commercial activities or generating revenue in Korea.
On January 4, 2024, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) revealed that foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments to South Korea surged by 7.5 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching a record high. This increase was primarily fueled by the strong performance of the chip, battery, and transportation industries.
In 2023, South Korea, Asia's fourth-largest economy, attracted FDI commitments totaling USD 32.7 billion, up from USD 30.4 billion in the previous year. The actual investment inflow also reached a record high of USD 18.7 billion, marking a 3.4 percent year-on-year increase. The ministry emphasized that these investments would not only enhance South Korea's export capacity but also create high-quality jobs and revitalize the local economy.
Despite the global decline in FDI performance in 2023, South Korea flourished due to significant investments in its high-tech industries and the materials, parts, and equipment sectors. Enhanced public-private partnerships and the government's dedication to fostering a more favorable investment climate were instrumental in achieving this remarkable outcome.
To stimulate foreign investment amid the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy introduced amendments to the country's laws, extending tax breaks and rental discounts to foreigners investing in entertainment facilities such as gyms, museums, and theaters in South Korea. These changes aim to attract more foreign capital, particularly from firms with advanced technology, by designating specific foreign investment zones within state industrial sites.
Under the revised regulations, foreign investors in newly designated entertainment facilities within these zones will receive 50% state support, with a slightly reduced discount of 40% for zones in Seoul and surrounding areas. The government will also provide basic infrastructure like access roads.
Additional benefits for foreign investors in these designated zones include a seven-year exemption from corporate and income taxes, followed by a 50% reduction for the subsequent three years. Moreover, investors will enjoy various local tax exemptions, including acquisition tax, South Korea company registration tax, property tax, and composite land tax, for a period ranging from eight to fifteen years.
While the government's initiative aims to rejuvenate foreign investment, critics argue that focusing on entertainment facilities may divert investments from critical sectors such as manufacturing and technology, potentially undermining the country's industrial competitiveness.
The total FDI in Korea experienced a steady rise from $3.08 billion in 2015 to $13.3 billion in 2018. However, there was a notable decline in 2019, with FDI decreasing by 20.6% to $10.57 billion.
Prior to establishing a business in Korea, thorough preparation and the formulation of a robust strategy are essential. Critical factors to consider include understanding the initiation process and identifying resources for assistance in establishing a presence in the country. Active participation in all setup stages is imperative, along with selecting a business structure tailored to your specific industry and products.
FDI in South Korea offers numerous advantages for both the nation and investors. Key benefits include:
Overall, FDI plays a pivotal role in South Korea's economic advancement and enhances its position in the global marketplace.
South Korea faces several challenges, including:
The South Korean government provides various incentives to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). These incentives primarily include:
In 2019, the South Korean government significantly augmented its cash incentives for foreign companies, increasing the total amount to 50 billion won from 6 billion won the previous year. However, certain sectors such as public administration, energy, education, defense, and media still have restrictions and prohibitions.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) prospects in South Korea span various sectors, with significant opportunities in industries such as IT, aerospace, biotechnology, cybersecurity, renewable energy, semiconductors, display technology, environmental initiatives, real estate development, and venture capital, among others.
However, certain sectors face complete restrictions on foreign investment, including nuclear energy, broadcasting (TV and radio), water and thermal energy, newspaper publishing, and telecommunication services. Additionally, some industries impose varying degrees of restrictions, with FDI limitations ranging from 25% to 49%, while others have a maximum cap of 50%. The government holds the authority to authorize FDI in defense-related sectors.
In conclusion, South Korea's advantageous geographic location, well-educated populace, advanced economy, outstanding educational institutions, and substantial investment in R&D make it an attractive destination for investment and trade.
Nevertheless, prospective investors should acquaint themselves with the country's culture, economic landscape, and political environment before making commitments. Furthermore, engaging a reliable local partner can significantly expedite preparatory efforts. A local business ally well-versed in South Korea's cultural nuances, legal framework, intellectual property regulations, trade obstacles, logistical intricacies, human resources, and bureaucratic processes can facilitate business endeavors in the country. Feel free to contact us for further assistance.