Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

K-Mobility Drives the Future of Innovation

Korea’s Prime Minister Kim Min-seok visited Kia’s Hwaseong plant on November 14 to commemorate the new EVO Plant facilities and chair the first Future Mobility Industry Strategy Dialogue. While the Korea–U.S. tariff agreement has lowered auto and parts tariffs to 15 percent and eased market uncertainty, the automotive industry continues to face major challenges, including intensifying global competition in AI-based autonomous driving, maintaining domestic manufacturing capabilities, achieving carbon neutrality, transforming the parts ecosystem, and diversifying export markets. To drive a new leap forward for Korea’s automotive sector, the government unveiled the K-Mobility Global Leadership Strategy with the following key elements: 1.    Overcoming U.S. Tariff Challenges – To ease exporters’ remaining burden despite tariff reduction, the government will expand policy finance to more than KRW 15 trillion in 2026 and apply tariff quotas to raw materials used for vehicle and parts production. Korea will also boost EV subsidies to KRW 936 billion in 2026 (up from KRW 715 billion in 2025) and launch a new financing program for transport operators adopting electric and hydrogen buses.  2.    Establishing the K-Mobility Mother Factory – In response to global protectionism and Korean companies’ overseas market expansion, the government will strengthen policy support to maintain domestic production at more than 4 million vehicles and enhance manufacturing quality. It will also restructure the incentive framework for production, investment, and R&D in eco-friendly and advanced automotive components, provide up to KRW 1 million in additional EV transition incentives, and promote auto and parts workplace innovation through HTC-Bootcamp. The government also aims to transition 70 percent of internal combustion engine (ICE) parts companies into future mobility suppliers, designate 200 specialized parts companies by 2030, advance Industrial GX R&D, and foster 70,000 future mobility specialists by 2033. 3.    Readiness for the AI Autonomous Era – Korea will scale up autonomous vehicle R&D to close the technology gap with the U.S. and China by 2030, develop an E2E-AI autonomous driving model by 2027, and establish standard platforms for Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and AI-Defined Vehicles (AIDVs). The government aims to mass-produce autonomous vehicles by 2028 and will finalize all related legal and institutional improvements by 2026. Korea will also establish a comprehensive AI mobility test complex to support real-world autonomous driving demonstrations in urban environments, develop guidelines for autonomous-driving data sharing, and prioritize regulatory improvements, such as permitting the use of original video data, easing temporary operation-zone restrictions, and expanding pilot zones. 4.    Expanding K-Future Mobility Globally – To accelerate global expansion, the government will strengthen market development across seven high-potential countries. Domestically, it will establish a KRW 50 billion future mobility industrial technology innovation fund and leverage the National Growth Fund. Korea will further enhance regional competitiveness through industry–academia–research clusters, supporting the global growth of its future mobility industry. date2025-11-14

ASML Hwaseong Campus Opening Ceremony

Kang Gam-chan, Director General for Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, attended the “ASML Hwaseong Campus Opening Ceremony” on Wednesday, November 12, at the ASML Hwaseong Campus in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do.  The event was joined by ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet , Dutch Ambassador to Korea Peter van der Vliet, as well as representatives from local governments, related institutions, and companies. After delivering opening remarks, Director General Kang participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the campus.   date2025-11-14

Korea’s Bioindustry Sees Growth in 2024: Production Up 9.8%, Exports Up 17.1%, Investment Up 46.1%

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) and the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization (KoreaBIO, President Ko Hansung) announced the results of the 2025 Bioindustry Survey (Based on 2024 Data), which covers the status of production, trade, employment, and investment in Korea’s bioindustry. Conducted under Article 3 of the Statistics Act, the survey is a national statistical report released annually by MOTIR through KoreaBIO, based on the previous year’s bioindustry performance. As biotechnology expands beyond pharmaceuticals and food into broader industrial applications and daily life, ushering in the era of the bioeconomy, this survey provides valuable insight into the scale of Korea’s biotechnology-based economy. According to the findings, Korea’s bioindustry production reached KRW 22.9 trillion, marking a 9.8 percent increase from the previous year and signaling a recovery in growth. Bioindustry exports rose 17.1 percent year-on-year, driven by increased shipments of major products such as antibody drugs and biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing (CMO) services, which in turn boosted overall production. Investment also surged, with R&D spending up 3.2 percent and large-scale facility investment up 145.3 percent, resulting in a 46.1 percent increase in total investment. Choi Woo-hyuk, Director General for Advanced Industry Policy at MOTIR, stated, “Despite ongoing uncertainty in the global trade environment, Korea’s bioindustry is regaining momentum. We will continue to strengthen support for companies’ efforts in research and development, production, and export expansion so that the bioindustry can play an even greater role in contributing to the Korean economy and employment.”   date2025-11-13

K-Fashion, Food, and Beauty Industries to Drive the Next Phase of K-Exports

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo visited MUSINSA Standard Seongsu, a leading K-fashion retailer, on Wednesday, November 12, to examine the current status of K-fashion exports. He also held a roundtable with representatives from major retail and distribution companies, including MUSINSA, Delivered Korea, Coupang, CJ Olive Young, and Kurly, to discuss industry challenges and strategies for expanding exports of K-consumer goods. The visit and discussions were organized to explore ways to promote consumer goods exports through experienced retail platforms amid the global rise of K-culture and growing demand for K-consumer products. MOTIR plans to strengthen support for fostering K-consumer goods industries as new growth engines for exports. First, the ministry will promote premium branding of K-consumer goods by enhancing marketing efforts linked to the Korean Wave. It plans to expand promotional opportunities through major events such as K-pop concerts and the Korea Brand & Entertainment Expo (KBEE) while allowing trend-setting retail platforms to take the lead in planning and executing marketing initiatives. Second, MOTIR will work to resolve export challenges related to logistics, certification, and intellectual property rights. In cooperation with KOTRA’s overseas trade offices, the ministry will provide tailored logistics infrastructure for consumer goods and expand consulting and information services on foreign certifications, such as halal standards. Lastly, the ministry will support the expansion of direct-to-consumer (D2C) exports through online platforms. It aims to help Korean retailers grow into global platforms by assisting with the establishment and promotion of global online malls, as well as supporting partnerships with local logistics providers, and facilitating customs clearance and certification procedures. Trade Minister Yeo stated, “Our retail platforms serve as a key bridge connecting K-consumer goods with overseas consumers. As capable Korean retailers expand globally, more products from Korean SMEs are reaching customers worldwide. To further establish K-exports as a new growth engine, MOTIR will incorporate today’s discussions into the upcoming ‘Plan to Expand Exports of K-Consumer Goods Linked to the Korean Wave,’ which will be announced later this year.” date2025-11-13

ASML Completes Hwaseong Campus, Strengthening Cooperation in Advanced Semiconductor Technology

Kang Gam-chan, Director General for Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan), attended ASML’s “Hwaseong Campus Opening Ceremony” held on Wednesday, November 12, in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do. ASML, a leading global semiconductor equipment company based in the Netherlands, exclusively manufactures extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment—essential for ultra-fine semiconductor processing—and supplies it to major companies worldwide, including Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and TSMC. The newly completed ASML Hwaseong Campus serves as the company’s key hub in Asia, integrating a remanufacturing center for advanced equipment components such as DUV and EUV lithography systems, along with a training center for advanced technology transfer. The campus is expected to enhance supply chain stability in Korea’s semiconductor industry and advance technology localization. Furthermore, ASML plans to use the campus to strengthen technical cooperation and knowledge exchange with Korean semiconductor firms such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, while building an ecosystem linking Korea’s materials, parts, and equipment companies—thereby advancing a mutually beneficial cooperation model with Korea’s semiconductor industry. In his congratulatory remarks, Director General Kang emphasized that “foreign investment is a key driver of Korea’s economic innovation and growth.” He added, “The government will continue to foster a favorable investment environment for global companies by expanding cash grants, enhancing location and tax incentives, and improving regulations.” He further noted, “Close cooperation among local governments, the central government, and partner countries is crucial for the advancement of Korea’s semiconductor industry. Today’s opening ceremony is an excellent example of such collaboration.” He concluded, “I hope that cooperation and investment in the semiconductor industry between Korea and the Netherlands will continue to deepen in the future.” date2025-11-13

Vice Minister Moon Attends Launch of K-Quantum Industry Alliance

Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources attended the launch ceremony of the K-Quantum Industry Alliance held on Wednesday, November 5, at Lotte Hotel Seoul. The event was attended by Rep. Lee Eon-ju; Kang Kyung Sung, President of KOTRA; Chun Yoonjong, President of the Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology; Min Byungjoo, President of the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology; and representatives from quantum technology suppliers and user companies, universities, research institutes, financial institutions, and support organizations. After delivering congratulatory remarks, Vice Minister Moon took part in an MOU signing ceremony to promote the industrialization of quantum technology. date2025-11-10

Korea and Australia Launch Joint Project to Strengthen Supply Chain Capabilities in Developing Countries

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that it will jointly implement the IMPACT Project (Supply Chain Identification, Monitoring, Preparation and Action Capability Training Project) with the Australian government to enhance supply chain crisis response capabilities in developing countries across the Indo-Pacific region. As the chair of the Crisis Response Network (CRN) under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), Korea successfully hosted a supply chain crisis response simulation exercise in Seoul in October. Building on that achievement, MOTIR is expanding regional supply chain cooperation through the IMPACT Project, which has been co-developed with the Australian government since June last year. Recognizing the need to strengthen developing countries’ supply chain capabilities during IPEF negotiations, Korea and Australia secured the necessary funding through close consultations and developed a training program aimed at improving practical crisis response capacity across the region. The IMPACT Project consists of three stages: (1) preliminary assessment of national supply chain capabilities, (2) local training, and (3) evaluation and follow-up measures. The local training sessions will provide practical education tailored to each country’s priorities, based on training materials jointly developed by Korea and Australia. Topics include identifying key supply chains, data-driven management, governance establishment, and disruption response. Starting with Indonesia and Thailand, MOTIR plans to deliver customized local training programs to a total of seven IPEF member countries—including Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Fiji—by next year, helping to enhance their supply chain management and crisis response capabilities. Lee Jae-keun, Director General for New Trade Strategy and Policy at MOTIR, stated, “Following the recent crisis response simulation under the IPEF network, the IMPACT Project will serve as a practical follow-up initiative to strengthen developing countries’ operational capabilities and further stabilize supply chains across the region. As supply chain resilience in critical minerals and high-tech industries has become a global priority, this project will reinforce Korea’s role as a central partner in regional cooperation.”   date2025-11-10

Korea Launches K-Quantum Industry Alliance to Accelerate Commercialization

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) held the launch event for the “K-Quantum Industry Alliance” on Wednesday, November 5, at Lotte Hotel Seoul. The event was attended by Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak, Rep. Lee Eon-ju, a Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, and about 150 participants from quantum technology suppliers and user companies, universities, research institutes, financial institutions, and support organizations. This launch marks a turning point for Korea’s quantum technology ecosystem, shifting from research-institute-led R&D to industry-driven application and expansion. Participating companies, universities, financial institutions, and support organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate closely in promoting the industrialization of quantum technology. The MOU covers key areas such as developing industry-specific use cases, improving standards and regulations, and supporting global expansion. Overview of the K-Quantum Industry Alliance MOU Date & Venue: November 5, 2025 (Wed) / Garnet Suite, Lotte Hotel Seoul Participants (34 organizations in total): User Companies: Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, Hanwha Ocean, Samsung Biologics, Hyosung Advanced Materials, LIG Nex1, EcoPro, JW Holdings Suppliers: Taihan Fiberoptics, Wooriro, Wooshin Technical Research, MICROINFINITY, Withwave, Korea Advanced Materials, SDT, PharmCADD, QuantumKelvin Universities: GIST, Pai Chai University, Yonsei University, Jeonbuk National University Financial Institutions: KB Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank, Hana Bank, IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, Korea Technology Finance Corporation, Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, POSCO Investment Support Organizations: KOTRA, KIAT, KEIT, KTL, Korea Industry Alliance Forum, Korea Quantum Association  Main Agenda: Joint efforts to identify new projects and policy proposals, develop industry use cases, foster talent, and support global expansion In addition, MOTIR announced the Quantum Technology Industrialization Project, which aims to localize key quantum components and materials, including superconducting quantum processing unit (QPU) packaging and cryocoolers. The ministry will also expand quantum software development and verification to solve industrial challenges and will establish a quantum-supercomputing integrated platform with hands-on training programs linking academia and industry, enabling companies to design and apply quantum models directly. Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak stated, “The government will spare no effort to help Korean quantum component and material companies seize this golden window of opportunity and join the global value chain. We will further strengthen the public-private cooperation model so that Korean companies can swiftly apply quantum technologies in industrial settings to solve challenges and maximize efficiency.”   date2025-11-06

17th Chemical Industry Day Ceremony

Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources attended the 17th Chemical Industry Day ceremony held at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Friday, October 31, 2025. The event brought together Korea Chemical Industry Association Chairman Shin Hak-cheol, along with representatives from related companies, petrochemical industry professionals, and award recipients. After delivering congratulatory remarks, Vice Minister Moon presented a total of 42 government commendations, including the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit awarded to Kumho Petrochemical CEO Baek Jong-hoon for his contributions to the advancement of Korea’s chemical industry. date2025-11-05

5th Battery Industry Day Ceremony

Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources attended the 5th Battery Industry Day ceremony held at Josun Palace Seoul in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on Thursday, October 30, 2025.    The event was attended by People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sung-won; Kim Dong-myung, Chairman of the Korea Battery Industry Association and CEO of LG Energy Solution; and Choi Joong-kyung, Chairman of the Korea–America Association, as well as representatives from related organizations, companies, and battery industry awardees.    Following his congratulatory remarks, Vice Minister Moon presented 20 government commendations to individuals who contributed to the advancement of the battery industry, including the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit awarded to Park Zin, Executive Vice President of Samsung SDI. date2025-11-05