South Korea

Global Business Expansion in North Carolina

#1

State for Business (CNBC, 2025)

#1

Largest Manufacturing Workforce in the Southeast US (Lightcast, 2025)

$1.1B

in Korean Goods Imported to NC (2024)

woman looking at the sky during sunset on a beach
Expand to the US

Why Korean Companies Should Invest in
North Carolina

North Carolina offers a business-friendly climate with competitive operating costs, a pro-regulatory environment, and advanced infrastructure that supports automotive, battery manufacturing, electronics, and technology sectors. Korean companies benefit from North Carolina’s central East Coast location, providing efficient access to major US markets through excellent transportation networks including international airports and deep seaports. The state’s skilled workforce, world-class research universities, and commitment to technical training create an ideal environment for Korean companies seeking to establish or expand their American operations. 

For the Third Time in Four Years, CNBC Names North Carolina as America’s “Top State for Business”

CNBC has named North Carolina as America’s Top State for Business in 2025, marking the third time the state has garnered the honor in the last four years. This morning, Governor Josh Stein joined CNBC’s Scott Cohn at Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington for a live broadcast where the winner was revealed.

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Strategic Location

With half of the American population within a day’s drive, North Carolina is strategically positioned in the middle of the United States’ East Coast. Four international airports and two deep sea ports put many customers and suppliers within reach.

Proximity map of NC

Speed to Market

You don’t have to navigate complicated tax structures or bureaucratic red tape to do business in North Carolina. We have a top business tax environment and are teeming with resources for all permitting, licensing, and other regulation questions.

Construction engineers supervising progress of construction project stand on new concrete floor top roof and crane background

Hub for Innovation

You’ll find North America’s largest research park and life sciences hub, located in the Raleigh-Durham area, while Charlotte is the second largest financial center in the US. North Carolina is also known for its agriculture, food, and automotive manufacturing sectors.

Engineering students working in the lab, a student is using a voltage and current tester, another student in the background is using a 3D printer

Leader in Clean Energy

Our state is ranked among the best in America for clean energy. A business-friendly environment, a robust supply chain, and a workforce of over 135,000 are just some of the reasons why renewable energy companies choose North Carolina.

workers doing maintenance at solar farm

Korean Companies Prosper in North Carolina

Some prominent Korean companies that have already planted roots in this state include:

LS

Kioti

Doosan

Hanwha

Hyosung

There is no better place than North Carolina based on availability of skilled labor, proximity to the customers, and low costs of doing business.

FAQs

  • How can Korean businesses get support when establishing operations in North Carolina?

    Korean companies looking to expand in the United States will receive customized, end-to-end support through North Carolina. Our team works directly with your company to understand your goals and connect you with statewide resources and partners through every step of the business relocation process—from site selection and workforce solutions to incentives, regulatory guidance, and local market insights. 

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  • What notable Korean companies have operations in North Carolina?

    In the last decade, Korean companies have invested more than $149 million and 670 jobs in North Carolina. Some prominent Korean businesses with operations in North Carolina include Hyosung, Kioti, Doosan, Hanwha, and more. 

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Explore NC is a quarterly newsletter for companies interested in expanding their business to North Carolina. Each edition highlights a growing industry, recent project announcements, and more.

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Nathaniel Dick

Nathaniel Dick

Senior Business Development Manager
Asia & Oceania