Korea Market Entry Trend in Global Capitals

a16z · New Mountain · Warburg Pincus — Global Investment Powerhouses Are Coming to Seoul.

HYESUNG Global Research Center (HSGRC) recently took a closer look at how global investment firms have been entering the Korean market over the past five years — from selection as GPs for global fund programs, to opening Seoul offices and even acquiring local asset management firms.  We looked at how global investors’ perspectives on Korea are changing, and what new opportunities this trend may create for startups, companies, and investors.

Key Takeaways

• 31 global VCs — Selected as GPs for Korea’s Global Fund programs from 2021–2025
• 5 new Seoul offices — Global firms including Warburg Pincus, New Mountain Capital, and a16z have established a presence in Korea since 2023
• Growing interest in Korea — Government-backed GP selection and direct market entry are expanding in parallel
• Deeper localization — Global investors are moving beyond simply opening offices, with examples of local asset management acquisitions and GP license acquisitions
• New opportunities — More access to global VCs, local partnerships, LP participation, and broader Exit & M&A opportunities

Notably, several major global investment firms entered Seoul in the first half of 2026, suggesting that Korea is increasingly being reassessed as an attractive market for LP relationships and deal sourcing.

📌 How far has global investment entered Korea — and what opportunities could come next?

For more detailed analysis, please refer to the report below.

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