South Korea

Wirtschafts- und Branchenüberblick

South Korea is a high-income, export-driven economy and one of Asia's largest, with nominal GDP of approximately $1.92 trillion USD in 2024–2025. It is a global leader in semiconductors, consumer electronics, shipbuilding, automobiles, and petrochemicals, with major conglomerate groups (chaebols) such as Samsung, SK, Hyundai, and LG anchoring industrial output. The Korea Exchange (KRX) is the sole securities exchange operator, hosting both the blue-chip KOSPI market and the growth-oriented KOSDAQ market. South Korea maintains a robust trade network, exporting integrated circuits, machinery, and vehicles to China, the United States, and across Asia. Demographic headwinds, including a record-low fertility rate and an aging population, pose longer-term structural challenges to growth.

Schlüsselsektoren

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Makro

BIP nominal, USD	$1.92T
BIP-Wachstum real, jährlich	2.0%
Inflation jährlich	2.3%
Bevölkerung Menschen	51.5M
BIP pro Kopf USD	$36,239
Marktkapitalisierung gesamt notiert, USD	$2.40T
Marktkapitalisierung / BIP	125.2%
Arbeitslosigkeit	2.9%
Börsennotierte Unternehmen	2,901
Börse	Korea Exchange (KRX)

Datenjahr: 2024. Quellen: World Bank National Accounts Data (2024), IMF World Economic Outlook (April 2026), Korea Exchange (KRX) official statistics, OECD Economic Outlook Volume 2024 Issue 2, Bank of Korea, Trading Economics, Wikipedia – Economy of South Korea, Baker McKenzie Cross-Border Listings Guide – South Korea (2026), Lloyd's Bank Trade Portal – South Korea Economic Context.

Lokale Börse & Zugang

Börse	Korea Exchange
Kürzel	KRX
Website	global.krx.co.kr
Währung	KRW

Lokaler Brokerzugang

Foreign investors can access Korean equities directly through Korean brokerage accounts (e.g., Mirae Asset Securities, KB Securities, Kiwoom Securities, Samsung Securities) after completing a standard foreigner registration process with the KRX and obtaining an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) via the Financial Supervisory Service. US-based investors may alternatively access Korean equities via US-listed ETFs (e.g., EWY) or ADRs without needing a local account. Direct trading on the KRX requires KRW-denominated settlement. Withholding tax on Korean dividends for non-residents is generally 22% (including local surtax), subject to applicable tax treaties.

Globale Broker mit Zugang zu ausländischen Märkten

• 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.

Nur zur Orientierung aufgeführt – keine Empfehlung. Verfügbare Märkte, Gebühren und Anmeldebedingungen variieren je nach Broker und Wohnsitzland.

Umzug & Aufenthalt

Zugang für ausländische Investoren

Foreign nationals relocating to South Korea for work or business typically require an appropriate visa category (D-8 for investors, E-7 for skilled workers, or D-10 job-seeker). English-language support in Seoul is extensive in business districts. South Korea has a national health insurance system that covers registered foreign residents. Cost of living in Seoul is high relative to other Asian cities. The country enforces strict immigration controls and long-term settlement requires demonstrable economic integration.