Pearson Korea Blog

The Korean Foreign Exchange Transaction Law governs the establishment of branch or liaison offices within the country. Similar to branch offices, liaison offices are considered foreign corporations, but their activities are limited to non-sales functions such as research and development, business development, market analysis, and promotional efforts conducted on behalf of the foreign company. Excluded from taxable criteria, liaison offices are not authorized to engage in profit-generating operations. Their non-income generating activities include research, advertising, publicity, and other public relations functions exclusively for their head office. Korea imposes no taxes on liaison offices, except for obligations related to payroll and value-added tax reporting.

FDI, or Foreign Direct Investment, represents investments made by foreign individuals or companies into a host country's economy. These investments, totaling at least KRW 100 million (approximately USD 85,000) and constituting 10% or more of the total investment, play a significant role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and promoting global business integration.

For non-native individuals seeking to launch a business in South Korea, this article offers crucial guidance through the process. South Korea, particularly Seoul, has emerged as a bustling global business hub, offering promising avenues for growth. Motivated by these opportunities, international entrepreneurs bring innovative concepts to Korea, aiming to add value to the local market. However, possessing a robust business plan alone isn't sufficient to commence operations in Korea. Foreigners must acquaint themselves with the nuances of company formation and business practices in the country. The subsequent sections of this article delve into four company types that non-natives can explore when initiating a business venture in South Korea.

Are you considering venturing into the dynamic world of e-commerce in Korea? As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, it's crucial to understand the ins and outs of starting your online business in this promising market. Let's explore the possibilities together.

South Korea stands as a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability. From its humble beginnings, the country has achieved remarkable economic growth, boasting an average GDP growth rate of 7 percent since the mid-1960s. However, this journey has not been without challenges. The Asian financial crisis of 1997 served as a pivotal moment, prompting South Korea to reevaluate its economic policies and embrace globalization.

For global investors and entrepreneurs interested in South Korea's vibrant agricultural sector, the country's advancements in smart farming offer an attractive opportunity. By leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT), South Korea is reshaping traditional agricultural methods. Smart farms are revolutionizing farming practices by overcoming the limitations of time and space in agriculture. These innovative systems, driven by scientific knowledge and advanced big data technology, promise to optimize crop conditions and increase production efficiency while reducing reliance on manual labor.

Establishing a private company in Korea demands a methodical approach to ensure legal compliance and a smooth entry into the corporate landscape. With globalization offering abundant foreign investment opportunities, grasping the intricacies of private company registration becomes paramount. This article aims to elucidate the process intricacies, offering entrepreneurs a comprehensive guide through each step, including foreign investment reporting, investment fund deposition, company registration, and foreign investment company registration.

The South Korean government is actively encouraging foreign companies to explore new regional markets and high-end sectors within the country to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Coupang, established in 2010, has swiftly become one of South Korea's largest and most preferred e-commerce platforms, offering an extensive array of products ranging from electronics to groceries. Renowned for its swift delivery system, often providing same-day or next-day delivery, Coupang has earned a stellar reputation for its convenience, wide selection, and reliability.