The Political Economy of Foreign Direct Investment in Korea

Evolution, Dynamics, and Contradictions
1. Auflage 2025
ISBN: 978-0-367-36592-9
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 174 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm, Gewicht: 453 g

Reihe: Routledge Frontiers of Political Economy

One of the most spectacular phenomena in the South Korean political economy has been the remarkable escalation of international capital investment, particularly inward foreign direct investment (FDI). This book provides an in-depth look at the evolution of FDI in Korea, from the late 1990s to the present day.

Charting Korea’s transition from state-led capitalism to a more liberalized market, this book assesses the complex interplay between government policy, foreign capital inflows, and multinational corporations (MNCs). It analyzes the key economic policies of the past as well as more recent measures by the Moon Jae-in and Yoon Suk Yeol administrations. The book then conducts an analysis of the socio-economic, cultural, and political dynamics that shape strategies of MNCs today. The book draws on 36 interviews with CEOs of foreign companies operating in Korea to seek their insights into the realities of doing business in Korea. It closes by highlighting the current challenges Korea faces today in integrating into the international economy and suggests solutions for sustaining its economic growth.

This book will appeal to scholars of political economy, Korean studies, and economic development. It will also interest business leaders and policymakers seeking a deeper understanding of insights into Korea’s economic climate.

Zielgruppe

Postgraduate and Undergraduate

Autoren/Hrsg.

Lee, Richard

Lee, You-il

Jang, Yoon-Jong

Fachgebiete

• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Volkswirtschaftslehre Internationale Wirtschaft
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Volkswirtschaftslehre Volkswirtschaftslehre Allgemein
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politikwissenschaft Allgemein

Inhaltsverzeichnis

List of Tables
Authors

Preface

Acknowledgements

Abbreviations

1. Introduction: South Korea at a Glance
2. Political Economy of Korea: Moon Jae-in to Yoon Seok Yeol

3. Evolution of Inward Foreign Direct Investment in Korea
4. Korean Market Environment for International Business

5. A Multi-Dimensional FDI Framework for MNCs’ R&D Centre Investments

6. Discussion and Suggestions for FDI in Korea

7. Concluding Observations

Bibliography

Index

Über Autor(innen)

You-il Lee is a political economist and Dean of Programs (Management and Marketing) at the University of South Australia Business. His research explores globalization and regionalism's socio-economic and political impacts.

Richard Lee is Professor of Marketing at the University of South Australia. Prior to joining the university in 2007, Richard spent 15 years managing marketing functions with MNCs in Asia.

Yoon-Jong Jang is Visiting Senior Fellow at the Korea Development Institute. His research focuses on Korean industry globalization and AI-driven transformation.