FDI OUTFLOW FROM
SOUTH KOREA AND
LESSONS FOR VIETNAM
FDI OUTFLOW FROM
SOUTH KOREA AND
LESSONS FOR VIETNAM
2015
-
2024
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS
Assos. Prof. TS. Nguyn Thường Lng
Student: Nguyn Tuyết Nhi
CONTENTS
1.
Theoretical Framework
of FDI
2. Impacts of FDI
3. Overview of South Koreas
(20152024)
4. South Koreas Outward
FDI Policy
5. South Koreas Outward
Foreign Direct Investment
(OFDI)
6. Overview of South
Korean FDI in Vietnam
7. Policy Implications and
Recommendations for
Korean FDI in Vietnam
Assos. Prof. TS. Nguyn Thường Lng
Student: Nguyn Tuyết Nhi
Concept of FDI
FDI is a form of investment where foreign investors directly
participate in management and operation of business
activities in the host country
.
It aims to create tangible and intangible assets
,
enhance
production capacity
,
generate employment
,
and promote
long
-
term economic development
.
FDI includes inward FDI
(
into a country
)
and outward FDI
(
from a country
).
1
.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
OF FDI
Assos. Prof. TS. Nguyn Thường Lng
Student: Nguyn Tuyết Nhi
Aspect
Inward FDI
Outward FDI
Definition
Foreign direct investment entering
a country
Foreign direct investment made by
domestic firms abroad
Perspective
Viewed from the host country
Viewed from the home country
Main Objective
Attract capital, technology, jobs,
and management expertise
Expand markets, reduce costs,
access resources, and enhance
global competitiveness
Key Actors
Foreign investors operating in the
domestic economy
Domestic firms investing in
overseas markets
Economic Impact
Boosts domestic production,
exports, employment, and
industrial development
Supports firm internationalization
and global value chain integration
Typical Policy Focus
Investment incentives, regulatory
facilitation, infrastructure
development
Financial support, investment
promotion, risk insurance, and tax
incentives
Example (Vietnam–Korea)
Korean firms investing in Vietnam’s
manufacturing sector
Korean firms investing in the U.S.,
Vietnam, and Europe
CONCEPT OF FOREIGN DIRECT
INVESTMENT
(
FDI
)
Distinction between inward FDI and outward FDI
IMPACTS ON THE INVESTING COUNTRY
Reduction of production costs through overseas production
.
Improved market access and reduced trade conflicts
.
Access to natural resources
,
labor
,
and technological expertise abroad
.
IMPACTS ON THE HOST COUNTRY
Provides capital for economic
development
Transfers technology and
management skills
Creates jobs and raises income
Promotes exports and international
integration
Overdependence on foreign
capital
Strong competitive pressure
on domestic firms
Environmental risks and
transfer pricing practices
Assos. Prof. TS. Nguyn Thường Lng
Student: Nguyn Tuyết Nhi
`
3
.
OVERVIEW
OF SOUTH
KOREA
S
ECONOMY
(
2015
2024
)
Assos. Prof. TS. Nguyn Thường Lng
Student: Nguyn Tuyết Nhi
`
CHAPTER II
:
KOREA
S OUTWARD FDI AND
KOREAN FDI IN VIETNAM
(
2015
2024
)
1. South Korea’s Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI)
Source: MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND FINANCE
1
.
SOUTH KOREA
S OUTWARD FOREIGN
DIRECT INVESTMENT
(
OFDI
)
From 2015 to 2024
,
South Korea became one of the world
s major sources of outward FDI
,
reflecting the globalization strategy of Korean enterprises
.
Despite global economic volatility
,
Korea
s OFDI remained at high levels
,
particularly in
manufacturing
,
finance
,
and mining
.
Main investment destinations included North America
,
Europe
,
and Asia
,
with the United
States as the largest recipient
.
The trend indicates that outward investment is a long
-
term strategic pillar for Korean firms
to access markets
,
reduce production costs
,
and strengthen global competitiveness
.
Source: MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND FINANCE
v
1
.
SOUTH KOREA
S OUTWARD FOREIGN
DIRECT INVESTMENT
(
OFDI
)
From 2015 to 2024
,
South Korea became one of the world
s major sources of outward FDI
,
reflecting the globalization strategy of Korean enterprises
.
Despite global economic volatility
,
Korea
s OFDI remained at high levels
,
particularly in
manufacturing
,
finance
,
and mining
.
Main investment destinations included
North America
,
Europe
,
and Asia
,
with the United
States
as the largest recipient
.
The trend indicates that outward investment is a long
-
term strategic pillar for Korean firms
to access markets
,
reduce production costs
,
and strengthen global competitiveness
.
Source: MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND FINANCE
South Korea remained the largest foreign investor in Vietnam, with
cumulative registered capital exceeding USD 92 billion, accounting for
17.9% of total accumulated FDI. Korean investments are largely large-scale
projects concentrated in manufacturing and processing industries.
Major investment partners in 2024: Investors from 114 countries and
territories were present in Vietnam. Singapore ranked first with USD 10.21
billion , followed by South Korea with USD 7.06 billion, and then China,
Hong Kong (China), and Japan.
Project structure: China led in the number of newly registered projects, while
South Korea ranked first in capital adjustments and capital contributions and
share acquisitions.
FDI inflows in 2024: Total newly registered, adjusted, and
contributed foreign investment capital amounted to USD 38.23
billion, reflecting a 3% decline compared with 2023.
FDI disbursement: Implemented FDI capital reached USD 25.35
billion, representing a 9.4% year-on-year increase, indicating
improved investment implementation efficiency.
Cumulative FDI performance: By the end of 2024, Vietnam had
attracted approximately 42,002 FDI projects, with total registered
capital of USD 502.8 billion and implemented capital of USD 322.5
billion.
2.Foreign Direct Investment into
Vietnam
`
Korean FDI stock (2024): ~USD 92 billion
(18% of total FDI), making Korea
Vietnams largest investor
Trend since 2015: New FDI fluctuated, with
a sharp drop in 2020 (USD 4 billion) due
to COVID-19
Recovery phase: From 2022, Korean FDI
rebounded strongly, reaching ~USD 7
billion in 2024 (CAGR 20%)
3
.
OVERVIEW OF
SOUTH KOREAN FDI
IN VIETNAM
South Korea has been Vietnams top FDI
partner since the mid-2010s.
New Korean FDI declined in 2020 due to
COVID-19 but recovered strongly from 2022
onward.
In 2024, newly registered Korean FDI
reached USD 7.06 billion, increasing 37.5%
year-on-year.
*
SCALE OF INVESTMENT CAPITAL AND
ENTERPRISES
South Korea
from
Investing FDI
in Vietnam
Benefits for
South Korea
Enhanced
Economic
Efficiency and
Market Expansion
Strengthening
Competitiveness
within Global
Value Chains
Technology and
Management
Spillover Effects
(at the Regional
Level)
Lower labor and
production costs
enhance firm-
level efficiency
Vietnam serves
as a strategic
export base to
ASEAN and global
markets
Major
conglomerates
(Samsung, LG,
Hyundai)
strengthen
competitiveness
through offshore
production hubs
Reduced exposure
to trade and
geopolitical risks
through production
diversification
Diffusion of
management
practices and
production
standards
within regional
networks
Risk of Reduced Domestic Investment
Risks and
Costs for
South Korea
Partial relocation of capital and
production capacity abroad
Dependence on External Investment
Environments
Increased exposure to Vietnam’s
regulatory, labor, and policy environment
Risks Associated with
Globalization and Trade Conflicts
Vulnerability to tariffs and international
trade disputes affecting exports from
Vietnam
01
02
03
Benefits for
Vietnam
from
Receiving FDI
from South
Korea
Economic Growth and Export Expansion
Largest FDI partner: Over USD 92 billion in
cumulative FDI (~18% of total FDI stock)
Growth and exports: Strong contribution to
manufacturing, GDP growth, and exports
Industrial upgrading: Expansion of
processing and manufacturing industries
Job Creation and Human Capital
Development
Employment creation: Over 1 million jobs
generated
Human capital development: Exposure
to international standards and modern
skills
Industrial Spillovers and
Structural Transformation
Value chain integration: Deeper
participation in global value chains
01
02
03
Limitations and
Costs for Vietnam
Low Domestic
Value Added
Dependence on a
Limited Number
of Large
Corporations
Environmental
and Labor
Pressures
Regional
Development
DisparitiesFern
andes
Concentration in
assembly rather
than R&D and
innovation
Heavy dependence
on large
conglomerates
(e.g., Samsung)
Rising
environmental
risks and job-
quality concerns
FDI concentration
in developed
regions widens
regional gaps
Causes of
the
Limitations?
Cost-based investment structure:
Korean firms mainly use Vietnam for
large-scale, export-oriented
manufacturing, while R&D and high-
tech activities remain concentrated
in advanced economies.
Institutional and policy constraints:
Incentive frameworks favor manufacturing
expansion over R&D; limitations in IP
protection, administrative procedures, and
initial costs reduce the attractiveness of
high-technology investment.
Global supply chain strategies: To
optimize costs and manage risks, Korean
conglomerates separate production and
innovation, locating manufacturing in
Vietnam and R&D in South Korea or other
developed countries.
01
02
03
CHAPTER III: Policy
Implications
and
Recommendations
for Korean FDI in
Vietnam
1. Key Considerations in Attracting Korean FDI
During 2015–2024, Korean FDI became a
major driver of Vietnam’s economic growth.
However, Vietnam needs a more strategic
approach, focusing on quality, sustainability,
and long-term value creation rather than
capital volume alone.
01
02
3. Strategic Positioning in Global Value Chains
Korean FDI has formed major production clusters
across key industrial regions.
However, R&D and high-value activities remain
marginal.
Current investment strategy is mainly market- and
efficiency-seeking, not strategic asset–seeking.
Vietnam should aim to attract higher segments
of the global value chain.
2. Focus on Quality over Quantity
In 2024, Korean registered FDI reached USD 7.06
billion, accounting for 18.5% of total FDI.
Most investment remains concentrated in large-
scale manufacturing and assembly.
Limited investment in high-tech, R&D, and
innovation-based sectors reduces value-
added and technology spillovers.
03
CHAPTER III: Policy
Implications
and
Recommendations
for Korean FDI in
Vietnam
4. Institutional Environment and Human Capital
Administrative procedures, shortages of
skilled labor, and limited technological
infrastructure remain constraints.
Improving the business environment and
institutional quality is critical to retaining
Korean strategic investors.
04
05
6. Recommendations for Vietnamese Enterprises
Enhance competitiveness: improve management,
quality standards, and production capacity.
Integrate into supply chains of Korean conglomerates
such as Samsung and LG.
Invest in human capital, especially technical and
managerial skills.
Adopt digital transformation and innovation to meet
international standards.
5. Policy Recommendations for the Government
Target high-value FDI: Provide selective incentives for
R&D, technology transfer, and advanced
manufacturing.
Ensure policy stability and transparency to retain long-
term investors.
Invest in strategic infrastructure: logistics, high-tech
industrial parks, and innovation hubs.
Leverage FTAs (CPTPP, EVFTA) to strengthen Vietnam’s
role as a regional production and export base.
06
`
B
&
Company
.
(
2024
).
Overview of Korean companies in Vietnam
CEIC Data
.
(
2024
).
Korea
:
Outward direct investment by region
and country
.
Charting the Globe
.
(
2024
).
South Korea
:
Foreign direct
investment outflows
(
2014
2024
Foreign Investment Agency
Ministry of Finance of Vietnam
.
(
2024
).
Foreign direct investment information and policy updates
Korea Economic Institute of America
(
KEIA
).
(
2023
).
South
Korea
s important role in Vietnam
s rapid development
.
REFERENCES
THANK YOU
THANK YOU

Preview text:

2015-2024 FDI OUTFLOW FROM SOUTH KOREA AND
LESSONS FOR VIETNAM INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS
Assos. Prof. TS. Nguyễn Thường Lạng Student: Nguyễn Tuyết Nhi CONTENTS
1. Theoretical Framework
5. South Korea’s Outward of FDI
Foreign Direct Investment 2. Impacts of FDI (OFDI) 6. Overview of South
3. Overview of South Korea’s Korean FDI in Vietnam (2015–2024)
7. Policy Implications and
4. South Korea’s Outward Recommendations for FDI Policy Korean FDI in Vietnam
Assos. Prof. TS. Nguyễn Thường Lạng Student: Nguyễn Tuyết Nhi
1. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK OF FDI Concept of FDI
FDI is a form of investment where foreign investors directly
participate in management and operation of business
activities in the host country.
It aims to create tangible and intangible assets, enhance
production capacity, generate employment, and promote
long-term economic development.
FDI includes inward FDI (into a country) and outward FDI (from a country).

Assos. Prof. TS. Nguyễn Thường Lạng Student: Nguyễn Tuyết Nhi
CONCEPT OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI)
Distinction between inward FDI and outward FDI Aspect Inward FDI Outward FDI Definition
Foreign direct investment entering Foreign direct investment made by a country domestic firms abroad Perspective
Viewed from the host country
Viewed from the home country
Attract capital, technology, jobs,
Expand markets, reduce costs, Main Objective
and management expertise
access resources, and enhance global competitiveness Key Actors
Foreign investors operating in the
Domestic firms investing in domestic economy overseas markets
Boosts domestic production,
Supports firm internationalization Economic Impact
exports, employment, and
and global value chain integration industrial development
Investment incentives, regulatory

Financial support, investment Typical Policy Focus
facilitation, infrastructure
promotion, risk insurance, and tax development incentives
Example (Vietnam–Korea)
Korean firms investing in Vietnam’s Korean firms investing in the U.S., manufacturing sector Vietnam, and Europe
2. IMPACTS OF FDI
IMPACTS ON THE INVESTING COUNTRY
Reduction of production costs through overseas production.
Improved market access and reduced trade conflicts.
Access to natural resources, labor, and technological expertise abroad.
IMPACTS ON THE HOST COUNTRY Provides capital for economic Overdependence on foreign development capital Transfers technology and Strong competitive pressure management skills on domestic firms Creates jobs and raises income Environmental risks and
Promotes exports and international transfer pricing practices integration
Assos. Prof. TS. Nguyễn Thường Lạng Student: Nguyễn Tuyết Nhi 3. OVERVIEW OF SOUTH KOREA’S ECONOMY (2015– 2024) `
Assos. Prof. TS. Nguyễn Thường Lạng Student: Nguyễn Tuyết Nhi
Source: MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND FINANCE
CHAPTER II: KOREA’S OUTWARD FDI AND `
KOREAN FDI IN VIETNAM (2015–2024)
1. South Korea’s Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI)
1. SOUTH KOREA’S OUTWARD FOREIGN
DIRECT INVESTMENT (OFDI) v
Source: MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND FINANCE
From 2015 to 2024, South Korea became one of the world’s major sources of outward FDI,
reflecting the globalization strategy of Korean enterprises.
Despite global economic volatility, Korea’s OFDI remained at high levels, particularly in
manufacturing, finance, and mining.
Main investment destinations included North America, Europe, and Asia, with the United
States as the largest recipient.
The trend indicates that outward investment is a long-term strategic pillar for Korean firms
to access markets, reduce production costs, and strengthen global competitiveness.
1. SOUTH KOREA’S OUTWARD FOREIGN
DIRECT INVESTMENT (OFDI)
Source: MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND FINANCE
From 2015 to 2024, South Korea became one of the world’s major sources of outward FDI,
reflecting the globalization strategy of Korean enterprises.
Despite global economic volatility, Korea’s OFDI remained at high levels, particularly in
manufacturing, finance, and mining.
Main investment destinations included North America, Europe, and Asia, with the United
States as the largest recipient.
The trend indicates that outward investment is a long-term strategic pillar for Korean firms
to access markets, reduce production costs, and strengthen global competitiveness.
2.Foreign Direct Investment into Vietnam
FDI inflows in 2024: Total newly registered, adjusted, and
contributed foreign investment capital amounted to USD 38.23
billion
, reflecting a 3% decline compared with 2023.
FDI disbursement: Implemented FDI capital reached USD 25.35
billion
, representing a 9.4% year-on-year increase, indicating
improved investment implementation efficiency.
Cumulative FDI performance: By the end of 2024, Vietnam had
attracted approximately 42,002 FDI projects, with total registered
capital of USD 502.8 billion and implemented capital of USD 322.5 billion.
South Korea remained the largest foreign investor in Vietnam, with
cumulative registered capital exceeding USD 92 billion, accounting for
17.9% of total accumulated FDI
. Korean investments are largely large-scale
projects concentrated in manufacturing and processing industries.
Major investment partners in 2024: Investors from 114 countries and
territories were present in Vietnam. Singapore ranked first with USD 10.21
billion , followed by South Korea with USD 7.06 billion, and then China, Hong Kong (China), and Japan.
Project structure: China led in the number of newly registered projects, while
South Korea ranked first in capital adjustments and capital contributions and share acquisitions. 3. OVERVIEW OF SOUTH KOREAN FDI IN VIETNAM
South Korea has been Vietnam’s top FDI partner since the mid-2010s.
New Korean FDI declined in 2020 due to
COVID-19
but recovered strongly from 2022 onward.
In 2024, newly registered Korean FDI
reached USD 7.06 billion, increasing 37.5% year-on-year. `
*SCALE OF INVESTMENT CAPITAL AND ENTERPRISES
Korean FDI stock (2024): ~USD 92 billion
(≈18% of total FDI), making Korea Vietnam’s largest investor
Trend since 2015: New FDI fluctuated, with
a sharp drop in 2020 (≈USD 4 billion) due to COVID-19
Recovery phase: From 2022, Korean FDI
rebounded strongly, reaching ~USD 7
billion in 2024
(CAGR ≈ 20%) South Korea from Investing FDI in Vietnam Enhanced Economic Efficiency and Benefits for Market Expansion Strengthening Competitiveness within Global South Korea Lower labor and Value Chains Technology and production costs Management enhance firm- Major Spillover Effects level efficiency conglomerates (at the Regional (Samsung, LG, Level) Vietnam serves as a strategic Hyundai) export base to strengthen ASEAN and global competitiveness Diffusion of management markets through offshore production hubs practices and Reduced exposure production to trade and standards geopolitical risks within regional through production networks diversification
Risk of Reduced Domestic Investment
01 Partial relocation of capital and production capacity abroad
Dependence on External Investment Environments Risks and
02 Increased exposure to Vietnam’s
regulatory, labor, and policy environment Costs for South Korea Risks Associated with
Globalization and Trade Conflicts
Vulnerability to tariffs and international
03 trade disputes affecting exports from Vietnam Benefits for Vietnam
Economic Growth and Export Expansion
Largest FDI partner: Over USD 92 bil ion in from
cumulative FDI (~18% of total FDI stock)
Growth and exports: Strong contribution to
01 manufacturing, GDP growth, and exports Receiving FDI Industrial upgrading: Expansion of
processing and manufacturing industries from South
Job Creation and Human Capital Development Korea
Employment creation: Over 1 mil ion jobs 02 generated
Human capital development: Exposure
to international standards and modern skil s
Industrial Spillovers and
Structural Transformation
03 Value chain integration: Deeper
participation in global value chains Limitations and Costs for Vietnam Low Domestic Dependence on a Value Added Limited Number of Large Corporations Concentration in assembly rather Heavy dependence than R&D and on large innovation conglomerates (e.g., Samsung) Environmental Regional and Labor Development Pressures DisparitiesFern andes Rising FDI concentration environmental in developed risks and job- regions widens quality concerns regional gaps
Cost-based investment structure:
Korean firms mainly use Vietnam for large-scale, export-oriented 01
manufacturing, while R&D and high-
tech activities remain concentrated in advanced economies. Causes of
Institutional and policy constraints:
Incentive frameworks favor manufacturing
expansion over R&D; limitations in IP 02 the
protection, administrative procedures, and
initial costs reduce the attractiveness of high-technology investment. Limitations?
Global supply chain strategies: To
optimize costs and manage risks, Korean
conglomerates separate production and
innovation, locating manufacturing in
03 Vietnam and R&D in South Korea or other developed countries. CHAPTER III: Policy
1. Key Considerations in Attracting Korean FDI Implications
During 2015–2024, Korean FDI became a
major driver of Vietnam’s economic growth. and
However, Vietnam needs a more strategic 01
approach, focusing on quality, sustainability,
and long-term value creation rather than Recommendations capital volume alone. for Korean FDI in
2. Focus on Quality over Quantity Vietnam
In 2024, Korean registered FDI reached USD 7.06
bil ion, accounting for 18.5% of total FDI. 02
Most investment remains concentrated in large-
scale manufacturing and assembly.
Limited investment in high-tech, R&D, and
innovation-based sectors reduces value-
added and technology spil overs.
3. Strategic Positioning in Global Value Chains
Korean FDI has formed major production clusters across key industrial regions.
However, R&D and high-value activities remain marginal. 03
Current investment strategy is mainly market- and
efficiency-seeking, not strategic asset–seeking.
Vietnam should aim to attract higher segments of the global value chain.
4. Institutional Environment and Human Capital
Administrative procedures, shortages of
skil ed labor, and limited technological
infrastructure remain constraints.
Improving the business environment and CHAPTER III: Policy 04
institutional quality is critical to retaining Korean strategic investors. Implications
5. Policy Recommendations for the Government and
Target high-value FDI: Provide selective incentives for R&D, technology transfer, and advanced Recommendations 05 manufacturing.
Ensure policy stability and transparency to retain long- term investors. for Korean FDI in
Invest in strategic infrastructure: logistics, high-tech
industrial parks, and innovation hubs.
Leverage FTAs (CPTPP, EVFTA) to strengthen Vietnam’s Vietnam
role as a regional production and export base.
6. Recommendations for Vietnamese Enterprises
Enhance competitiveness: improve management,
quality standards, and production capacity.
Integrate into supply chains of Korean conglomerates such as Samsung and LG. 06
Invest in human capital, especial y technical and managerial skil s.
Adopt digital transformation and innovation to meet international standards. REFERENCES
B&Company. (2024). Overview of Korean companies in Vietnam
CEIC Data. (2024). Korea: Outward direct investment by region and country.
Charting the Globe. (2024). South Korea: Foreign direct
investment outflows (2014–2024
`
Foreign Investment Agency – Ministry of Finance of Vietnam.
(2024). Foreign direct investment information and policy updates
Korea Economic Institute of America (KEIA). (2023). South
Korea’s important role in Vietnam’s rapid development.
THANK YOU