South Korea remains the largest investor in Vietnam, with cumulative investment reaching over $95.23 billion across 10,425 active projects as of late February 2026, according to data from the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA).
In the first two months of 2026 alone, newly registered Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from South Korean investors reached over $1.97 billion, representing a significant 31.6% increase year-on-year. This surge underscores the high level of confidence South Korean enterprises maintain in Vietnam’s investment climate.
Vietnam has evolved into a strategic production and research hub for several of South Korea’s leading conglomerates, including Samsung, LG, Hyosung, Lotte, SK, Doosan, and CJ. Notably, the tech giant Samsung has invested more than $23 billion in the country, solidifying its status as the largest overall foreign investor in Vietnam in terms of investment capital.
Historically, South Korean projects have concentrated on processing, manufacturing, electronics, high-tech, energy, infrastructure, and logistics. These sectors play a pivotal role in Vietnam’s industrialization and the enhancement of its national economic competitiveness.
However, the investment landscape is now shifting toward new horizons. South Korean firms are aggressively expanding into clean energy, liquefied natural gas (LNG), green technology, and carbon emission reduction solutions. A prominent example is the SK Group’s proposal in late 2025, which outlined a three-pillar investment strategy in Khanh Hoa Province, central Vietnam. This plan includes the construction of LNG power plants in the Ca Na and Van Phong areas with a combined capacity of approximately 3,000 MW.
Beyond investment, bilateral trade continues to flourish. Trade turnover between the two nations currently stands at approximately $94.6 billion, with both governments pledging to reach $150 billion by 2030.
Commenting on Vietnam’s investment environment for the 2026–2031 period, Mr. Ko Tae Yeon, Chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (KOCHAM), noted that since the "Doi Moi" (Renewal) era, Vietnam has achieved rapid economic growth and successfully asserted its role in the global supply chain.
"Vietnam has become a vital link in global supply chains, particularly in manufacturing," he said. He added that moving forward, transitioning toward an industrial structure centered on technology and innovation will be a crucial phase for the Vietnamese economy.
The KOCHAM Chairman further emphasized that stable growth, robust open-door policies, and a strategic location in Asia remain key factors that make Vietnam an irresistible destination for foreign investors, particularly those from South Korea.
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