FDI Notifications in South Korea Rise 10.8% in Q3
Foreign direct investment notifications in South Korea increased by 10.8% in the third quarter of 2026.
Foreign direct investment notifications in South Korea increased by 10.8% in the third quarter of 2026.
In the third quarter of 2026, South Korea saw a significant rise in foreign direct investment (FDI) notifications, which increased by 10.8% compared to the same period last year. This surge, amounting to $22.9 billion, reflects a growing interest from international investors, particularly in the semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources reported that FDI arrivals also experienced a notable jump of 30.6%, reaching $14.87 billion. The increase is attributed to strong global demand for Korean technology and infrastructure, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Manufacturing investments made up a substantial portion of the FDI notifications, accounting for 80% of the total, or approximately $18.52 billion. The remaining investments were directed towards mergers and acquisitions.
Particularly noteworthy was the 35.1% increase in FDI notifications from the United States, which totaled $6.69 billion. Conversely, investments from the European Union, Japan, and China saw declines during the same period.
Looking ahead, the South Korean government aims to attract further foreign investments in key growth areas such as semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and data centers, which are seen as vital for the country’s economic advancement.
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