South Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance reported that outbound direct investment on a gross basis rose 32.3% from a year earlier to USD 20.52 billion in the second quarter of 2026. Investment declined slightly from USD 22.12 billion in the first quarter but recorded a fourth consecutive quarter of annual growth. The ministry attributed the increase to financial and insurance companies diversifying investments globally and broader overseas expansion by South Korean companies, particularly in information and communications technology. Financial and insurance investment increased 33.4% to USD 10.48 billion, while information and communications technology investment surged 265.3% to USD 2.73 billion. North American investment rose 50.3% to USD 9.19 billion and Asian investment climbed 68.8% to USD 5.57 billion. The United States remained the largest destination at USD 8.86 billion, up 53.6%, while investment in Japan increased 708.4% to USD 2.46 billion and investment in Indonesia rose 91.1% to USD 1.02 billion.
Source: 2026-09-29Ministry of Economy & Finance (South Korea)
South Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance reports 32.3% rise in second quarter outbound direct investment to USD 20.52 billion
South Korea’s outbound direct investment rose 32.3% year over year to USD 20.52 billion in the second quarter of 2026, marking a fourth consecutive quarter of annual growth. Financial and insurance investment and information and communications technology investment drove the increase, with stronger flows to North America and Asia.