Today, South Korea is one of India’s key economic partners. Korean companies in India leave a powerful mark on different industries, including the electronics sector, the automobile business, and, in this particular case, the beauty and wellness sphere. All brands from Korea represent innovation, quality, and reliability as a guarantee of winning customer trust and sparking huge economic development.
Household names: Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and Kia, while new entrants are also joining the landscape with fresh ideas and technology. Among the major Korean companies operating in India, this blog takes a tour into their journey, impact, and what makes them different for India.
Growth rate and market occupancy of Korean companies in India
Korean companies have seen tremendous growth in India, mainly because of electronics, automobiles, home appliances, and renewable energy. The three main players in this area – Samsung, Hyundai, and LG – have deepened their presence in the market and have treated India as a strategic market and production hub because of its young, tech-savvy consumer base and conducive policies. For instance, Samsung is the market leader in the Indian smartphone market. The Noida plant is the world’s largest mobile phone factory of the company.
Similarly, LG Electronics has furthered its operations in India to include premium appliances. It is targeting the fast-growing B2B market and has invested in production facilities and Business Innovation Centers across the country. Hyundai and Kia have also found a strong foothold in the Indian automobile market; Hyundai retains about 15% of the passenger car market share every year, while Kia keeps growing in popularity with a share of 7%.
Over 1,000 Korean companies have already set up shop in India, and with the increasing bilateral trade reaching $21 billion, this number is expected to rise to a staggering $50 billion by 2030. All these developments can be attributed to India’s friendly policies, such as the “Korea Plus” desk, streamlining processes for Korean firms.
The POSCO steel plant in Gujarat will attract over 100 Korean suppliers to its newly built plant, strengthening economic ties even further. Additionally, as artificial intelligence courses expand, these collaborations may open up more tech-focused roles, increasing expertise and innovation in both countries.
This synergy is part of South Korea’s larger strategy to diversify and look for new growth avenues as the global economy becomes more uncertain, where India stands out as an ideal landscape for long-term partnerships and market expansion.
Top 10 Korean companies in India
1. Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics is a leading provider of technology across the world. The company focuses on revolutionary ideas and leads-innovation that will transform the world and inspire people to change.
Dedicated to discovery, Samsung continues to transform consumer experiences with excellent quality products in all tech sectors-from revolutionary displays and powerful mobile devices to advanced network solutions and memory systems. It allows Samsung Electronics to allow users to discover, design, and share what is thought impossible by driving its boundaries.
Founders: Lee Byung-chul
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Industry: Electronics
Market share: 23%
Website: Samsung India | Mobile | TV | Home Appliances
Televisions (TVs): High-definition and smart TVs, including QLED and OLED displays.
Smartphones: Galaxy series smartphones known for innovation in mobile technology.
Wearable Devices: Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other wearables.
Tablets: High-performance tablets for personal and professional use.
Digital Appliances: Refrigerators, washing machines, and smart home appliances.
Network Systems: Solutions for improved connectivity and communication.
Memory Solutions: Storage and memory products, such as SSDs and DRAM.
System LSI (Large Scale Integration): Semiconductor solutions for performance enhancement.
Foundry Services: Advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
LED Solutions: Energy-efficient LED lighting and display solutions.
2. LG Electronics
LG Electronics is one of the biggest South Korean electronics firms that is widely available in India. LG Electronics offers a comprehensive variety of consumer electronics and home appliances with superior quality. LG Electronics has become a household name in the Indian subcontinent with its products infused with innovation, durability, and cutting-edge technology.
Be it an LCD television or refrigerator and washing machines, LG is providing efficient solutions for the needs of Indian households. Besides the essentials, LG offers air conditioners, mobile devices, and consumer electronics in a wide variety of products, making LG a trusted choice for improving everyday living.
Founders: Koo In-hwoi
Headquarters: Delhi, India
Industry: Electronics
Market share: 32%
Website: Consumer & Home Electronics from LG | LG IN
LCD Televisions: High-definition TVs with vibrant display quality.
Home Appliances: Comprehensive solutions, including washing machines and refrigerators.
Refrigeration: Durable and energy-efficient refrigerators and fridge freezers.
Air Conditioners: Efficient and reliable cooling solutions for homes and offices.
Smartphones: A range of mobile devices designed for connectivity and performance.
Consumer Electronics: Variety of gadgets and appliances for daily use.
3. Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai Motor Company is the largest automobile manufacturing company in India with a wide range of car models that help cater to a wide set of consumer needs. Being the second-largest automobile manufacturer in the country, Hyundai also holds a significant market share of 16.2% and hence plays an important role in the Indian automotive industry.
Hyundai has two plants in India, which meets the demand of the Indian market and ranks it as the second largest auto exporter in India. It is contributing significantly to the automobile exports of the country. Hyundai’s focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has earned it a position of trust in the Indian market.
Founders: Chung Ju-yung
Headquarters: Gurgaon, Haryana, India.
Industry: Automobile
Market share: 16.2%
Website: Hyundai Cars: Sedan, SUV, Hatchback, EV | Hyundai Motor India
Sedans: These include popular models like the Hyundai Verna and Hyundai Aura.
SUVs: Range of SUVs, such as the Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Venue, and Hyundai Tucson.
Hatchbacks: Compact options like the Hyundai i20, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, and Hyundai Santro.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Hyundai Kona Electric, offers eco-friendly driving options.
MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles): Hyundai Alcazar, suitable for families and long drives.
4. Kia Motors
Kia Motors is the second-largest South Korean automobile manufacturer. The company has quickly gained popularity in India as a brand, following Hyundai. The company launched the Kia Seltos, a car that was designed particularly for Indian consumers, before entering the Indian market.
Quality and innovation best characterize Kia. Its single, focused production facility sits in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and acts as a base for its “Made for India” products. With a strong SUV and modern design capabilities, Kia is gaining robust ground in the Indian auto sector.
Founders: Kim Cheol-ho
Headquarters: Anantapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India
Industry: Automobile
Market share: 7.4%
Website: Kia Cars | Latest Car Models in India | Kia Car Prices | Kia India
Kia Seltos: The popular SUV model that introduced Kia to the Indian market.
Kia Sonet: A compact SUV tailored to Indian urban lifestyles.
Kia Carens: A multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) suited for family and group travel.
Kia Carnival: A premium MPV with luxurious features for a comfortable ride.
Kia EV6: An electric vehicle offering for eco-conscious consumers looking for sustainable mobility options.
5. POSCO
POSCO is one of the biggest South Korean steel manufacturing giants, and it ranks among the world’s largest steelmakers in terms of market value. The company is well known for producing high-quality steel, which is applied in many industries worldwide, including automotive, construction, and manufacturing.
Korean companies in India, such as POSCO, operate through entities like POSCO Maharashtra Steel, which provides a wide range of steel products, such as Cold Rolled Steel and CRNGO (Cold Rolled Non-Grain Oriented steel), catering to the needs of the automotive brands and other industries. POSCO’s strategic project sites in Karnataka and Maharashtra, besides its memorandum of understanding with Odisha, reflect POSCO’s commitment to supporting India’s growing industrial demands.
Founders: Park Tae-Joon
Headquarters: Bhubaneswar, India
Industry: iron and steel
Market share: 28%
Website: posco.co.kr/homepage/docs/eng7/jsp/s91a0000001i.jsp
Cold Rolled Steel: High-quality steel widely used in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.
CRNGO (Cold Rolled Non-Grain Oriented Steel): Essential for efficient, high-performance automotive and industrial applications.
Steel Solutions for Various Industries: Custom steel products catering to construction, electronics, and other sectors.
Automotive-Grade Steel: Specialized steel for vehicle manufacturing, meeting industry standards for strength and durability.
See Also :
6. Industrial Bank of Korea
Industrial Bank of Korea is one of the three major South Korean banks present in India, along with Hana Bank and Kookmin Bank. IBK has a representative office based in New Delhi, thereby indicating its presence as one of the few South Korean banking institutions that have an entry into the Indian market.
Foreign banks, though only a peripheral presence in India, still provide critical financial services as most are operated through representative offices or a few branches. They serve both domestic and cross-border clients who may have specific needs such as trade financing, remittances, and corporate banking.
CEO: Kim Seong-tae
Headquarters: Delhi, India
Industry: banking
Market share: 0.04%
Website: Industrial Bank of Korea
Corporate Banking: Financial solutions for corporations, including loans, working capital, and business expansion funding.
Trade Finance: Support for international trade transactions through products like letters of credit, trade loans, and export financing.
Foreign Exchange Services: Assistance with currency exchange and foreign exchange risk management for companies engaged in international trade.
Remittances: Services for cross-border remittances, allowing businesses and individuals to transfer funds internationally.
Advisory and Consulting: Guidance for South Korean businesses operating in India or looking to enter the Indian market.
7. Shop CJ
Shop CJ is India’s biggest home shopping channel that broadcasts on nearly all digital cable as well as DTH distributors. The company operates through a partnership between South Korean conglomerate CJ Corporation and Providence Equity Partners. As one of the Korean companies in India, it reaches customers through television and online shopping at www.shopcj.com, catering to various items such as electronics, home goods, fashion, etc.
The channel combines entertainment with shopping, allowing viewers to shop in real time while experiencing product demonstrations. This has made it a major player in India’s ever-changing retail landscape, which has been witnessing home shopping grow in popularity increasingly.
Founders: Praveen Meloth
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Industry: Entertainment
Market share: 30%
Website: Homepage | CJ GLOBAL Inc
Electronics: A wide range of consumer electronics, including televisions, kitchen appliances, and personal gadgets.
Home Goods: Products for home improvement and decor, such as furniture, bedding, and kitchenware.
Fashion: Clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, featuring both ethnic and contemporary styles.
Health and Beauty: Skincare, cosmetics, wellness products, and fitness equipment.
Lifestyle Products: Items related to hobbies, cooking, gardening, and travel accessories.
8. Lotte Corporation
Lotte Corporation is one of the major players in the Indian market, under the banner of the Lotte Group, which is considered the largest confectionery manufacturer in South Korea. With its established brand presence, Lotte Confectionery has successfully entered the Indian confectionery sector with a variety of products that cater to local tastes and preferences. The company focuses on quality and innovation, positioning itself as a respected player in this competitive market.
Founders: Shin Kyuk-ho
Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Industry: confectionary
Market share: 4% approx.
Website: LOTTE
Chocolates: A diverse range of chocolate products, including bars and boxed assortments.
Candies: Various types of candies, including hard candies, gummies, and chewy sweets.
Snacks: A selection of snacks that complement their confectionery offerings.
Ice Cream: Frozen desserts and ice cream products that appeal to consumers looking for indulgent treats.
9. SK Telecom
SK Telecom is South Korea’s largest wireless carrier and is part of the SK Group, which has 95 subsidiary companies. It has been known for its innovative approach, and the company recently entered into an agreement with Bharti Airtel to enhance the telecom infrastructure and speed up the deployment of advanced 5G networks in India.
Using the most developed telecom technologies, SK Telecom intends to provide the most innovative solutions in connectivity for the exponentially increasing demand for high-speed communication and data services within the region.
CEO: Jung Ho Park
Headquarters: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
Industry: telecommunication
Market share: 14%
Website: SK telecom
Mobile Services: Comprehensive mobile phone plans, including prepaid and postpaid options.
5G Services: Advanced 5G connectivity solutions for consumers and businesses.
IoT Solutions: Internet of Things services for smart home and enterprise applications.
Media Services: Streaming platforms and digital content services.
Telecom Equipment: Infrastructure solutions that support network expansion and performance.
10. Humax consumer electronics
Humax is one of the leading consumer electronics companies specialized in digital technology products. It deals in digital video recorders, set-top boxes, and other electronic products. The company ranks among the world’s biggest manufacturers in digital set-top boxes.
Humax has established a good presence all over the world with manufacturing facilities and offices, such as an important base in India. Humax stands committed to producing high quality products to provide consumers with enhanced digital media experiences.
Founders: Dae Gyu Byun
Headquarters: Calicut, Kerala
Industry: Electronics
Market share: not available
Website: HUMAX Co.Ltd.
Digital Video Recorders: High-performance devices for recording and storing digital content.
Set-Top Boxes: Advanced set-top boxes for digital broadcasting, including satellite and cable options.
Connected Home Solutions: Devices designed for seamless home automation and connectivity.
OTT Media Players: Media players optimized for streaming over-the-top (OTT) services.
Top job positions offered by Korean companies in India
Engineering: Mechanical, electrical, and production engineering jobs form the backbone of the job. Hyundai, LG, Samsung.
R&D: It has key positions in software, hardware, and automotive designs according to the local requirements.
Project Management: They head large-scale projects of manufacturing and construction companies: POSCO, and Hyundai Steel.
Manufacturing and Quality Control: These include production supervisors and quality control specialists and then the assembly line managers with which everything needs to go into effect for maximum utility without any lack of professionalism.
Sales and Marketing: This involves brands, sales, and even digital marketing with Indian consumer outreach through such brand’s presence being considerable through vast service network networks along with customer relations managers and service executives among which the notable ones here are Samsung and LG brands.
Supply Chain and Logistics: Supply chain management positions are very important for companies like steel and automobile, managing the distribution network (Hyundai, POSCO).
Software Development and Game Design: For a company in the tech or gaming space, such as Krafton, roles could include software engineering, game design, and digital marketing.
Conclusion
Indeed, Korean companies in India have very profoundly influenced the nature and form of the country’s economic structure, filling up an interface between technological advancement and product innovation with the generation of valuable employment. Electronics, automotive sectors, and many more cannot even be imagined without the strength and loyalty from South Korea to Indian consumers.
In this lies the growth of most critical sectors along with supporting ideas toward making India industrialized and giving employment opportunities. The ongoing investment and strategic partnership with Korean companies will provide a solid foundation for their expansion, mutual growth, and stronger economic ties between the two nations. This long history of relationships provides a tremendous opportunity for great collaboration toward each other’s respective economies.
FAQs
What sectors do Korean companies undertake in India?
The Korea companies are engaged in the activities of various sectors like Electronics, Automotive, Steel FMCG, and gaming as well.
Why is the Indian market of interest for Korean companies?
There exist a huge consumer base of skilled labor force with enabling policies in India which offers a lot of opportunity and hence makes it attractive and suitable for expansion.
What are the most popular brands of Korea in India?
Some of the very big brands are Samsung, Lg, Hyundai, Kia, and POSCO present in every sector starting electronics to automobiles.
How do the Korean companies add value to India’s economy?
They have created employment, enhanced Indian manufacturing, brought in leading-edge technology, and provided a part of India’s exports.
What type of employment opportunities are available in Korean companies at India?
Korean Companies offer employment opportunities in fields like engineering, R and D, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and customer service.
