Factory's Post 🇪🇺 #2

We've gathered the latest business trends, useful information for market entry, and hot news from the Korea-Europe ecosystem! Factory's Post is back to deliver the insights you need for your business growth.💡

Before we begin, have you heard of “Buycotts”? 🤔

Nope, I didn’t make a typo, but, it is how consumers are reshaping markets these days. Unlike boycotts where consumers avoid certain products, buycotts represent consumers actively supporting companies whose values align with their own. In fact, 85% of global shoppers have shifted toward more sustainable purchasing habits in the past five years.

South Korea is no exception. A recent survey by the Korean Chamber of Commerce found that 63% of consumers consider a company's ESG activities when making purchasing decisions, while 70.3% actively avoid brands with poor ESG reputations. This has given rise to “Donjjul (돈쭐)”, a clever fusion of “don (money💶)” and “honjjul (scolding😤)” – where ethical companies are rewarded with consumer support while irresponsible ones face financial consequences.

Yet a gap remains between consumer sentiment and business outcomes. According to McKinsey, only 22% of businesses report significant value from sustainability efforts in the past five years. However, optimism is growing, with 40% of companies expecting their ESG initiatives to generate substantial value within the next five years. For businesses entering or expanding in the Korean market, understanding this evolving consumer landscape isn't just about ethics – it's becoming a critical competitive advantage.

Investment & Economy

📊 South Korea’s Export Growth in 2025: Opportunities in Healthcare, Digital, and Green Tech

South Korea’s exports are expected to grow 2.2% YoY in 2025, driven by global demand recovery and interest rate cuts. Key industries—healthcare, digital tech, and green energy—will lead this growth, as markets focus on innovation and sustainability.

The biopharmaceutical sector is attracting global investment, solidifying South Korea’s role in advanced healthcare. AI, semiconductors, and digital services continue to strengthen its tech dominance. Clean energy policies are also boosting green technology exports. Read more.

💾 But Still, AI Takes Center Stage — Korea Accelerates AI & Quantum Tech

South Korea is making bold investments in AI and quantum technology to secure its position as a global tech leader. The government has announced initiatives to enhance AI ethics, boost semiconductor development, and expand digital infrastructure with extensive support for data, GPUs, and research funding.

To support these initiatives, the government convened the 3rd AI Computing Infrastructure Special Committee to drive GPU expansion, aiming to secure 18,000 GPUs by mid-next year, and is advancing next-generation computing with expanded R&D and talent development programs.

With AI and quantum tech shaping the future, South Korea is positioning itself at the forefront of technological transformation. By focusing on policy support, industry partnerships, and cutting-edge research, the country aims to unlock new economic opportunities and global leadership. Read more on the website of Ministry of Science and ICT.

123 Factory’s Project

💼 WELL 2025: Bright Global Talent – Fully Sponsored Interns for Your Team!

Looking to add globally-minded talent to your team? Through WELL 2025: The Overseas Work Experience Project, your company can host highly motivated Korean interns for 2 to 4 months. This program, managed by HRDK (Human Resources Development Service of Korea), takes care of every detail—from recruitment and training to initial interviews, visas, insurance, and salaries. With all logistics covered, integrating top talent into your team has never been easier. 🌍✨

👉 Application Period: February - September 2025
👉 Internship Duration: 2-4 months between April - November 2025
👉 Contact: [email protected]

🚗 Join Auto Shanghai 2025 Exclusive Delegation!

China’s mobility ecosystem is evolving at an unprecedented pace – and we are offering you EXCLUSIVE front-row access to this trillion-dollar market.

Shanghai Auto Show 2025 Highlights:

• Cutting-edge EV innovations from China’s top players

• Global debuts of next-gen autonomous and smart vehicles

• The latest in battery & charging technology breakthroughs

Apply before March 31st and get an early-bird discount, including ALL of these perks – Hotel Accommodation from April 20 – 26, Transportation, Simultaneous interpretation services, Meals, Networking events, and of course Auto Shanghai 2025 Admission Ticket!

👉 Details & Application
👉 21 - 25 April 2025 | Shanghai & Auto Shanghai 2025
👉 For inquiries: Christine Kim ([email protected])

International Collaboration

🇪🇺 South Korea Joined EU’s Horizon Europe as an Associated Country

As of 2025, South Korea became the first Asian country to join the EU’s flagship research and innovation program, Horizon Europe, as an Associated Country! 🎉

What does this mean for startups? Game-changing opportunities.

• Seamless collaboration between Korean and European researchers on cutting-edge projects

• Access to Horizon Europe’s massive €93.5 billion funding (2021-2027)

• New doors for joint ventures in tech, deep science, and industrial innovation

For European startups, this partnership is a golden ticket to South Korea’s dynamic innovation ecosystem—one of the world’s most advanced tech hubs. If you’re looking to expand into Asia, now’s the time to explore partnerships, funding, and research collaborations.

International Trade

🤝 South Korea & The Netherlands Strengthen High-Tech Ties

Minister for Trade, Industry, and Energy Dukgeun Ahn of South Korea met with Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs Dirk Beljaarts on February 20, 2025, to discuss ways to strengthen industrial cooperation between the two countries. Their talks focused on key areas such as economic security, supply chains, and advanced industries like semiconductors and batteries. Both sides shared insights on industrial policy trends and ongoing collaborative efforts.

The Netherlands is South Korea’s second-largest trading partner among EU countries, with bilateral trade reaching $15.0 billion in 2024. It is also the biggest European investor in South Korea, pledging $39.9 billion as of September 2024. Recognizing the strong cooperation in ICT and biotechnology, Minister Ahn expressed hopes for expanding joint research and innovation through the Korea-Netherlands Joint Innovation Committee. Read more.

Market Entry: Resources & Support

Korea’s dynamic tech ecosystem offers immense opportunities for startups and businesses looking to expand. To support your market entry, key organizations provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and tailored programs. Explore how these institutions can help you navigate the Korean market and accelerate your growth.

• KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency)
  KOTRA supports foreign investors with end-to-end services, helping them enter and navigate the Korean market.

• Pangyo Techno Valley
  Korea’s "Silicon Valley," providing a high-tech ecosystem and support for startups, making it an ideal base for European companies.

Upcoming Events

• KIMES 2025
  20-23 March | Seoul, Korea
  Global Medical Exhibition where medical professionals and influential buyers gather to explore the latest medical technologies and sustainable solutions

• Korea-EU Horizon Europe Researchers Networking Forum on AI
  1-2 April | Brussels, Belgium
  Researchers' forum on AI to promote Korea-EU AI research collaboration and participation in Horizon Europe

• Seoul Mobility Show 2025
  3-13 April | Seoul Metropolitan Area, Korea
  Platform that encapsulates the ecosystem of Korea's mobility industry

123 Factory

Based in Berlin & Seoul, 123 Factory is a dynamic collaboration platform where Korean and European businesses grow together. We are a strategic partner driving innovation, helping Korean companies expand into Europe and European businesses enter the Asian market and vice versa. Let’s turn ideas into reality and scale your business together! 🚀

Also interested in the European market? Our Korean-language newsletter offers complementary insights for businesses looking to strengthen connections across the Korea-Europe corridor.

Thank you for reading Factory’s Post!
We’re always open to exciting news, promotions, and proposals to share with the 123 community. Feel free to contact [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you! 😀