South Korea is a sovereign state in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.[1] Highly urbanized at 92%,[2] South Koreans lead a distinctive urban lifestyle; half of them live in high-rises[3] concentrated in the Seoul Capital Area with 25 million residents[4] and the world's sixth-leading global city[5] with the fourth-largest economy[6] and seventh-most sustainable city in the world.[7]
Driven by a highly educated and skilled workforce, it has the world's eighth-highest median household income, the highest in Asia, and its singles in particular earn more than all G7 nations. Globally, it ranks highly in personal safety,[8] job security, and healthcare quality, with the world's third-highest health adjusted life expectancy and fourth-most efficient healthcare system.[9] It is the world's largest spender on R&D per GDP, leading the OECD in graduates in science and engineering[10] and ranking third in the Youth Wellbeing Index.[11] Home of Samsung, POSCO, LG and Hyundai-Kia, South Korea was named the world's most innovative country in the Bloomberg Innovation Index,[12] ranking first in business R&D intensity and patents filed per GDP. As of 2014, it has the world's fastest Internet speed and highest smartphone ownership, ranking first in ICT Development, e-Government[13] and 4G LTE coverage.
For further information on the types of business entities in this country and their abbreviations, see "Business entities in South Korea".
Largest firms
This list shows firms in the Fortune Global 500, which ranks firms by total revenues reported before 01 February, 2025.[14] Only the top five firms (if available) are included as a sample.
| Rank
|
Image
|
Name
|
2024 Revenues (USD $M)
|
Employees
|
Notes
|
| 31
|
|
Samsung
|
$198,257
|
267,860
|
Multinational electronics conglomerate, and one of the world's largest information technology firms. Closely branded subsidiaries include Samsung Electronics, Samsung C&T Corporation, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Samsung Heavy Industries, Samsung Life Insurance, and Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance.
|
| 73
|
|
Hyundai Motor Company
|
$124,577
|
73,502
|
Third-largest automotive manufacturer, including its Kia Motors and Genesis Motors brand divisions, and regional subsidiaries Hyundai Motor India Limited, Beijing Hyundai, Hyundai Motor America, and Hyundai Motor Europe GmbH.
|
| 100
|
|
SK Group
|
$101,969
|
114,950
|
Diversified conglomerate with more than 95 subsidiaries and affiliates, including SK Innovation (Energy), SK Telecom (telecommunications), SK Hynix (semiconductors), and SK C&C (consulting).
|
| 162
|
|
Kia
|
$76,419
|
52,871
|
Multinational automobile manufacturer, 34% owned by Hyundai Motor
|
| 201
|
|
Korea Electric Power Corporation
|
$66,977
|
48,696
|
Korea's largest electrical utility, majority-owned by the Korean state. The firm provides for generation, distribution, and major development projects.
|
0–9
| English
|
Korean
|
Group
|
Industry
|
Sector
|
Headquarters
|
Founded
|
Notes
|
| 5Rocks
|
-
|
-
|
Technology
|
Software
|
Seoul
|
2010
|
Mobile analytics
|
A
B
C
D
| English
|
Korean
|
Group
|
Industry
|
Sector
|
Headquarters
|
Founded
|
Notes
|
| Daehan Tire
|
대한타이어
|
-
|
Consumer goods
|
Tires
|
Seoul
|
1990
|
Tires
|
| Daewoong Pharmaceutical
|
대웅제약
|
-
|
Industrials
|
Biopharmaceutical
|
Seoul
|
1945
|
Biotechnology, (KRX: 069620)
|
| DL E&C
|
디엘이앤씨 주식회사
|
DL Group
|
Industrials
|
Construction & materials
|
Seoul
|
1962
|
Construction
|
| DL Group
|
디엘 주식회사
|
DL Group
|
Conglomerates
|
-
|
Seoul
|
1939
|
Automotive, construction, industrials, oil and gas, financials
|
| DASAN Networks
|
다산네트웍스
|
-
|
Telecommunications
|
Telecommunications equipment
|
Seoul
|
1993
|
Telecommunications equipment manufacturer
|
| DI Corporation
|
디코퍼레이션
|
-
|
Technology
|
Semiconductors
|
Seoul
|
1955
|
Semiconductor testing equipment
|
| DNA Motors
|
DNA 모터스
|
DL Group
|
Consumer goods
|
Automobiles
|
Changwon
|
1978
|
Motorcycles
|
| DOHWA Engineering
|
술공사
|
|
Engineering
|
Construction
|
Gangnam district
|
1957
|
Engineering design
|
| Dongbu Group
|
동부그룹
|
Dongbu Group
|
Conglomerates
|
-
|
Seoul
|
1969
|
Steel, financials, chemicals, industrials
|
| Dongkuk Steel
|
동국제강
|
-
|
Basic materials
|
Basic resources
|
Seoul
|
1954[16]
|
Steel
|
| Doosan Enerbility
|
두산중공업
|
Doosan Group
|
Industrials
|
Construction & materials
|
Changwon
|
1962
|
Heavy industrial construction
|
| Doosan Engineering & Construction
|
두산건설
|
Doosan Group
|
Industrials
|
Construction & materials
|
Seoul[17]
|
1960
|
Construction
|
| Doosan Fuel Cell
|
두산퓨얼셀
|
Doosan Group
|
Industrials
|
Renewable energy
|
Iksan
|
2019
|
Fuel cell
|
| Doosan Group
|
두산그룹
|
Doosan Group
|
Conglomerates
|
-
|
Seoul
|
1896
|
Industrials, Defense, infrastructure
|
| Doosan Robotics
|
두산로보틱스
|
Doosan Group
|
Industrials
|
Robotics
|
Suwon
|
2015
|
Cobot, service robot
|
E
F
| English
|
Korean
|
Group
|
Industry
|
Sector
|
Headquarters
|
Founded
|
Notes
|
| FILA
|
휠라
|
-
|
Consumer goods
|
Clothing & accessories
|
Seoul
|
1911
|
Sportswear
|
G
H
| English
|
Korean
|
Group
|
Industry
|
Sector
|
Headquarters
|
Founded
|
Notes
|
| Haitai
|
해태제과식품
|
Crown Confectionery
|
Consumer goods
|
Food & beverage
|
Seoul
|
1945
|
Instant foods
|
| Halla Group
|
한라그룹
|
Halla Group
|
Conglomerates
|
-
|
Seoul
|
1962
|
Automotive, construction
|
| Hana Financial Group
|
하나금융그룹
|
-
|
Financials
|
Financial services
|
Seoul
|
1971
|
financial services
|
| Hanjin
|
한진 그룹
|
Hanjin
|
Conglomerates
|
-
|
Seoul
|
1945
|
Airlines, tourism, travel
|
| Hanjin Shipping
|
한진 해운
|
Hanjin
|
Industrials
|
Industrial transportation
|
Seoul
|
1977
|
Defunct 2017
|
| Hankook Ilbo
|
한국일보
|
-
|
Consumer services
|
Publishing
|
Seoul
|
1954
|
Publishing
|
| Hankook
|
한국타이어
|
-
|
Consumer goods
|
Tires
|
Seoul
|
1941
|
Tires
|
| Hansol
|
한솔
|
Hansol
|
Conglomerates
|
-
|
Seoul
|
1965
|
Construction, chemicals, telecom
|
| Hanwha
|
한화그룹
|
Hanwha
|
Conglomerates
|
-
|
Seoul
|
1952
|
Industrials, chemicals, defense, financials
|
| Hanwha Aerospace
|
한화에어로스페이스
|
Hanwha
|
Industrials
|
Aerospace & defense
|
Seoul
|
1977
|
Aircraft parts & accessories, military vehicles, engines, rockets
|
| Hanwha Life Insurance
|
한화생명
|
Hanwha
|
Financials
|
Insurance
|
Seoul
|
1946
|
Life insurance
|
| Hanwha Ocean
|
한화오션
|
Hanwha
|
Industrials
|
Industrial engineering
|
Geoje
|
1978
|
Shipyard
|
| Hanwha Total
|
한화토탈
|
Hanwha
|
Basic materials
|
Chemicals
|
Seoul
|
1988
|
Chemicals
|
| Hanwha Vision
|
한화비전
|
Hanwha
|
Industrials
|
Electronic & electrical equipment
|
Seongnam
|
1977
|
Opto electronics, surveillance systems
|
| HCT Co., Ltd.
|
에이치시티
|
-
|
Technology
|
Semiconductors
|
Icheon
|
2000
|
Semiconductor
|
| Hite Brewery
|
하이트맥주
|
Hite Brewery
|
Consumer goods
|
Brewers
|
Seoul
|
1933
|
Brewery, (KRX: 103150)
|
| HiteJinro
|
하이트진로
|
Hite Brewery
|
Consumer goods
|
Brewers
|
Seoul
|
1924
|
Distillery
|
| Hotel Shilla
|
신라호텔
|
Samsung
|
Consumer services
|
Travel & leisure
|
Seoul
|
1979
|
Hotels
|
| Humax
|
휴맥스
|
-
|
Telecommunications
|
Telecommunications equipment
|
Seoul
|
1989
|
Broadband equipment manufacturer
|
| Hybe Corporation
|
주식회사 HYBE
|
-
|
Consumer services
|
Media
|
Seoul
|
2005
|
Record label
|
| Hyosung
|
효성그룹
|
Hyosung
|
Conglomerates
|
-
|
Seoul
|
1966
|
Chemical, industrials, construction
|
| Hyundai Amco
|
엠코건설
|
Hyundai Motor Group
|
Industrials
|
Construction & materials
|
Seoul
|
2002
|
Construction and materials
|
| Hyundai Asan
|
현대아산
|
Hyundai Group
|
Financials
|
Real estate
|
Goseong
|
1998[19]
|
Development
|
| Hyundai Capital
|
현대캐피탈
|
Hyundai Motor Group
|
Financials
|
Financial services
|
Seoul
|
1993
|
Financial services
|
| Hyundai Corporation
|
현대종합상사
|
Hyundai Heavy Industries Group
|
Industrials
|
General industries
|
Seoul
|
1976
|
Trading, logistics
|
| Hyundai Department Store Group
|
현대백화점그룹
|
Hyundai Group
|
Consumer services
|
Retail
|
Seoul
|
1971
|
Retail holding company
|
| Hyundai Engineering & Construction
|
현대 건설
|
Hyundai Motor Group
|
Industrials
|
Construction & materials
|
Seoul
|
1947
|
Construction and engineering
|
| Hyundai Glovis
|
현대글로비스 주식회사
|
Hyundai Motor Group
|
Industrials
|
Industrial transportation
|
Seoul
|
2001
|
Logistics
|
| Hyundai Group
|
현대
|
Hyundai Group
|
Conglomerates
|
-
|
Seoul
|
1947
|
Construction, transportation, power
|
| Hyundai Heavy Industries Group
|
현대중공업그룹
|
Hyundai Heavy Industries Group
|
Conglomerates
|
-
|
Ulsan
|
1972
|
Industrials, construction, defense, transportation, oil & gas
|
| HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
|
현대중공업 (주)
|
Hyundai Heavy Industries Group
|
Industrials
|
Industrial engineering
|
Ulsan
|
1972
|
Shipyard, engine & heavy machinery manufacturer
|
| Hyundai IHL
|
현대
|
Hyundai Motor Group
|
Consumer goods
|
Auto parts
|
Seoul
|
1993
|
Parts and services
|
| Hyundai Merchant Marine
|
현대상선
|
Hyundai Group
|
Industrials
|
Industrial transportation
|
Seoul
|
1976
|
Marine transport
|
| Hyundai Mobis
|
현대모비스 주식회사
|
Hyundai Motor Group
|
Consumer goods
|
Auto parts
|
Seoul
|
1977
|
Parts and services
|
| Hyundai Motor Company
|
현대자동차
|
Hyundai Motor Group
|
Consumer goods
|
Automobiles
|
Seoul
|
1967
|
Automobile manufacturer
|
| Hyundai Motor Group
|
현대자동차그룹
|
Hyundai Motor Group
|
Conglomerates
|
-
|
Seoul
|
2000
|
Holding group
|
| Hyundai Oilbank
|
현대오일뱅크
|
Hyundai Heavy Industries Group
|
Oil & gas
|
Oil & gas producers
|
Seoul
|
1964
|
Refinery
|
| Hyundai Rotem
|
현대로템 주식회사
|
Hyundai Motor Group
|
Industrials
|
Industrial engineering
|
Seoul
|
1999
|
Military vehicles, railway vehicles, plant engineering
|
| Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries
|
현대삼호중공업
|
Hyundai Heavy Industries Group
|
Industrials
|
Industrial engineering
|
Yeongam
|
1998
|
Shipyard
|
| Hyundai Steel
|
현대제철
|
Hyundai Motor Group
|
Basic materials
|
Basic resources
|
Incheon
|
1953
|
Steel
|
| Hyundai Wia
|
현대위아
|
Hyundai Motor Group
|
Consumer goods
|
Auto parts
|
Changwon
|
1976
|
Parts
|
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
| English
|
Korean
|
Group
|
Industry
|
Sector
|
Headquarters
|
Founded
|
Notes
|
| Renault Korea
|
르노코리아
|
Renault (France)
|
Consumer goods
|
Automobiles
|
Busan
|
1994
|
Automobile manufacturer
|
S
| English
|
Korean
|
Group
|
Industry
|
Sector
|
Headquarters
|
Founded
|
Notes
|
| S.M. Entertainment
|
SM엔터테인먼트
|
-
|
Consumer services
|
Media
|
Seoul
|
1989
|
Record label
|
| Samick
|
삼익악기
|
-
|
Consumer goods
|
Consumer electronics
|
Eumseong County
|
1958
|
Musical instruments
|
| Samsung
|
삼성
|
Samsung
|
Conglomerates
|
-
|
Seoul
|
1938
|
Electronics, financials, retail, media
|
| Samsung Biologics
|
삼성바이오로직스
|
Samsung
|
Industrials
|
Biopharmaceutical
|
Incheon
|
2011
|
Biotechnology, (KRX: 207940)
|
| Samsung C&T Corporation
|
삼성물산
|
Samsung
|
Industrials
|
Construction & materials
|
Seoul
|
1938
|
Construction and engineering
|
| Samsung Card
|
삼성카드
|
Samsung
|
Financials
|
Financial services
|
Seoul
|
1988
|
Credit cards
|
| Samsung Digital Imaging
|
삼성디지털이미징
|
Samsung
|
Industrials
|
Electronic & electrical equipment
|
Seoul
|
2009
|
Optoelectronics
|
| Samsung Display
|
삼성디스플레이
|
Samsung
|
Industrials
|
Electronic & electrical equipment
|
Asan
|
2004
|
Display products
|
| Samsung Economic Research Institute
|
삼성경제연구소
|
Samsung
|
Industrials
|
Support services
|
Seoul
|
1986
|
Industrial think tank
|
| Samsung Electro-Mechanics
|
삼성전기
|
Samsung
|
Industrials
|
Electronic & electrical equipment
|
Suwon
|
1973
|
Electronic components
|
| Samsung Electronics
|
삼성전자
|
Samsung
|
Consumer goods
|
Consumer electronics
|
Suwon
|
1969
|
Consumer electronics
|
| Samsung Engineering
|
삼성엔지니어링
|
Samsung
|
Industrials
|
Industrial engineering
|
Seoul
|
1970
|
Engineering
|
| Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance
|
삼성화재
|
Samsung
|
Financials
|
Insurance
|
Seoul
|
1952
|
General insurance
|
| Samsung Heavy Industries
|
삼성중공업
|
Samsung
|
Industrials
|
Industrial engineering
|
Seoul
|
1974
|
Shipyard
|
| Samsung Life Insurance
|
삼성생명보험
|
Samsung
|
Financials
|
Insurance
|
Seoul
|
1957
|
Life and health insurance
|
| Samsung Medical Center
|
삼성의료원
|
Samsung
|
Health care
|
Health care providers
|
Seoul
|
1994
|
Hospital
|
| Samsung SDS
|
삼성에스디에스
|
Samsung
|
Technology
|
Computer services
|
Seoul
|
1985
|
I/T consulting
|
| Samyang Food
|
삼양식품
|
-
|
Consumer goods
|
Food & beverage
|
Seoul
|
1961
|
Food and beverage conglomerate, processed food
|
| Sindoh
|
신도
|
-
|
Technology
|
Computer hardware & peripherals
|
Seoul
|
1960
|
Computer printing equipment
|
| SNT Dynamics
|
SNT다이내믹스
|
-
|
Industrials
|
Industrial engineering
|
Changwon
|
1959
|
Defense, military vehicles, automotive
|
| SNT Motiv
|
SNT모티브
|
-
|
Industrials
|
Defense
|
Busan
|
1981
|
Defense, firearms
|
| Standard Chartered Korea
|
SC제일은행
|
Standard Chartered (UK)
|
Financials
|
Banks
|
Seoul
|
1929
|
Bank
|
| Seoul Broadcasting System
|
에스비에스
|
-
|
Consumer services
|
Media
|
Seoul
|
1991
|
Broadcasting
|
| Shinhan Bank
|
신한은행
|
-
|
Financials
|
Banks
|
Seoul
|
1897
|
Bank
|
| Shinsegae
|
신세계
|
-
|
Consumer services
|
Retail
|
Seoul
|
1955
|
Department stores
|
| SK Broadband
|
|
SK Group
|
Telecommunications
|
Fixed line telecommunications
|
Seoul
|
2008
|
Acquired by SK Group in 2008
|
| SK ecoplant
|
SK에코플랜트
|
-
|
Industrial
|
Renewable energy
|
Seoul
|
1962
|
Solar panels, offshore wind power structures (KRX: 003340)
|
| SK C&C
|
에스케이씨앤씨
|
SK Group
|
Technology
|
Computer services
|
Seoul
|
1991
|
I/T consulting
|
| SK Group
|
에스케이그룹
|
SK Group
|
Conglomerates
|
-
|
Seoul
|
1953
|
Energy, chemicals, telecom, semiconductors
|
| SK Hynix
|
에스케이하이닉스 주식회사
|
SK Group
|
Technology
|
Semiconductors
|
Icheon
|
1983
|
Semiconductor, (KRX: 000660)
|
| SK Oceanplant
|
SK오션플랜트
|
-
|
Industrial
|
Offshore wind power
|
Goseong
|
1996
|
(KRX: 100090)
|
| SK Telecom
|
에스케이텔레콤
|
SK Group
|
Telecommunications
|
Mobile telecommunications
|
Seoul
|
1984
|
Wireless
|
| SL Corporation
|
에스엘코포레이션
|
-
|
Consumer goods
|
Auto parts
|
Gyeongsan
|
1954
|
Parts
|
| S-Oil
|
에쓰오일
|
-
|
Oil & gas
|
Oil & gas producers
|
Seoul
|
1977
|
Refinery
|
| Starship Entertainment
|
스타쉽 엔터테인먼트
|
LOEN Entertainment
|
Consumer services
|
Media
|
Seoul
|
2008
|
Record label
|
| STX Corporation
|
에스티엑스
|
STX Corporation
|
Conglomerates
|
-
|
Changwon
|
1976
|
Industrials, construction, financials
|
| STX Offshore & Shipbuilding
|
STX조선해양
|
STX Corporation
|
Industrials
|
Industrial engineering
|
Changwon
|
1962
|
Shipbuilder
|
T
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See also
References
- ^ This article incorporates public domain material from The World Factbook. CIA.
- ^ 지표상세. Index.go.kr. July 24, 2015. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
- ^ [수도권]‘응팔 아파트’ 만들기 서울시의 이색 도전 : 뉴스 : 동아닷컴. News.donga.com (January 7, 2016). Retrieved June 20, 2016.
- ^ "Current population of the Seoul National Capital Area". Statistics Korea.
- ^ Institute for Urban Strategies, The Mori Memorials Foundation (2015). Global Power City Index 2015. Retrieved March 2, 2016
- ^ Global Metro Monitor |Brookings Institution. Brookings.edu (January 22, 2015). Retrieved June 20, 2016.
- ^ "Sustainable City Index 2016 - Comparing cities". Arcadis.
- ^ Crime Index by Country 2016. Numbeo.com. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
- ^ Lu, Lisa Du lisadont Wei (September 29, 2016). "U.S. Health-Care System Ranks as One of the Least-Efficient". Bloomberg.
- ^ "These are the 10 smartest countries in the world when it comes to science". Business Insider. December 4, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-04-17. Retrieved 2016-11-07.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ "The Bloomberg Innovation Index". Bloomberg.
- ^ UN E-Government Survey 2014. Unpan3.un.org. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
- ^ DeCarlo, Scott (1 February 2025). "The Fortune 2024 Global 500". Fortune.
- ^ AJU Group: Private Company Information - Bloomberg
- ^ Dongkuk Steel Mill Co., Ltd.: Private Company Information - Bloomberg
- ^ Doosan Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.: Private Company Information - Bloomberg
- ^ 연혁 | EUGENE
- ^ Hyundai Asan Corporation: Private Company Information - Bloomberg
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