South Korea

Economy & industry overview

South Korea is a high-income, export-driven economy and one of the largest in Asia, with nominal GDP of approximately $1.92 trillion as of 2024. The economy is anchored by large conglomerate groups known as chaebol, which dominate sectors including semiconductors, consumer electronics, automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, steel, and petrochemicals. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix together make South Korea a global leader in memory chip production, and the country has invested heavily in biotechnology, renewable energy, and defense industries. The Korea Exchange (KRX) is among the largest and most liquid equity markets in Asia, hosting over 2,400 listed companies across the KOSPI and KOSDAQ segments. South Korea is classified by MSCI as an emerging market due to ongoing restrictions on offshore Korean won trading and certain market accessibility constraints, even though it holds developed-market status under FTSE Russell's classification.

Key sectors

Learn everything about South Korea →

Macro

GDP nominal, USD	$1.92T
GDP growth real, annual	2.0%
Inflation annual	2.3%
Population people	51.7M
GDP per capita USD	$36,239
Market cap total listed, USD	$2.95T
Market cap / GDP	153.9%
Unemployment	2.8%
Listed companies	2,406
Exchange	Korea Exchange, which operates the KOSPI Market for large-cap equities, the KOSDAQ Market for growth and technology companies, and a Derivatives Market division. (KRX)

Primary data year: 2024. Sources: IMF World Economic Outlook (October 2025), World Bank National Accounts Data 2024, Korea Exchange (KRX) official statistics, MSCI Market Classification Review 2025, US Department of State 2024 Investment Climate Statements: South Korea, Bank of Korea, Statistics Korea (KOSTAT), Baker McKenzie Cross-Border Listings Guide 2025, Wikipedia: KOSPI, Korea Exchange, TradingEconomics.com, ETFdb.com, StockAnalysis.com EWY Holdings. Individual figures may cover different reference periods — for example a fiscal year, or an estimate for the current year — and the overview above states these where known.

Local exchange & access

Exchange	Korea Exchange, which operates the KOSPI Market for large-cap equities, the KOSDAQ Market for growth and technology companies, and a Derivatives Market division.
Code	KRX
Website	global.krx.co.kr
Currency	KRW

Local broker access

Foreign investors must register with the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) to trade Korean securities directly, a requirement known as the Foreign Investor Registration system. Many international online brokers provide access to KRX-listed stocks via contracts for difference or direct market access, though registration requirements add administrative steps compared to more open markets. US-based investors commonly gain exposure through US-listed ETFs such as EWY or through ADRs for individual companies. Direct brokerage accounts can be opened with major Korean brokerages such as Mirae Asset Securities, Kiwoom Securities, and Samsung Securities, subject to documentation requirements.

Global brokers with foreign-market access

• Interactive Brokers — Direct access to 90+ markets worldwide, including many emerging exchanges.
• Saxo Bank — Multi-market access across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
• Charles Schwab (Global) — Foreign ordinary shares on select markets; US-listed ADRs and ETFs.
• Fidelity International Trading — International stock trading on a number of developed and emerging markets.

Listed for convenience only. Not a recommendation. Available markets, fees and onboarding rules differ by broker and by your country of residence.

Relocation & residency

Foreign-investor access

South Korea offers a well-developed urban infrastructure, a high-quality public healthcare system, and world-class internet connectivity. Seoul and Busan are the primary financial and commercial hubs. Foreign nationals with qualifying employment or investment can obtain various visa categories; permanent residency requires a minimum of five years of continuous residence and meeting income or investment criteria. The country enforces mandatory health insurance enrollment and has a national pension system that foreign residents may be required to contribute to depending on bilateral agreements.