Learn about barriers to market entry and local requirements, i.e., things to be aware of when entering the market for this country.
Last Published: 9/8/2020

Some of the challenges faced by U.S. companies attempting to conduct business in Korea include unique industry standards, less than transparent regulations, resistance to foreign business models, and competition and price pressures from domestic manufacturers.  In addition to these challenges, U.S. exporters of agricultural commodities must navigate multiple import regulations and testing requirements (https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Exporter%20Guide_Seoul%20ATO_Korea%20-%20Republic%20of_12-31-2019).
Despite these challenges, firms that are innovative, patient, and committed to entering the Korean market will find business to be rewarding and Koreans to be eager and loyal customers. For example, Korean consumers are quick to adapt new technologies, and many U.S. firms have found their technological products to be well-received in the country.
The Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), last amended in March 2018, has helped facilitate bilateral trade, making Korea an attractive market for U.S. companies to enter (https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/Press/Releases/KORUS%20Texts%20Outcomes.pdf). With more than 92 percent of tariffs having been reduced or obsolete, U.S. products are becoming increasingly cost-competitive.  In addition to U.S. products, EU products have enjoyed reduced or no tariffs since 2011.  Australia, Canada and China have also entered free trade agreements with Korea.
U.S. small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must remain flexible with Korean business counterparts pertaining to contract terms, such as renegotiating price, quantity, and delivery terms, following business deals or bilateral contractual agreements. The traditional approach to business deals in Korea, where the signing of a contract is perceived as just the beginning of a business relationship, differs significantly from that in the U.S. That said, U.S. SMEs hoping to succeed in Korea should familiarize themselves with tactics and strategies to sustaining positive relationships with their Korean counterparts.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.