Despite a challenging backdrop, South Korea’s top 150 brands demonstrated “remarkable resilience,” increasing their collective value by 7% year-on-year to USD342.2 billion in 2025, according to the South Korea 150 2025 report by Brand Finance. Electronics, automotive, and banking accounted for more than half of the ranking’s total value.
“South Korean brands are proving that resilience is not just about weathering challenges, but about evolving through them,” said Alex Haigh, Managing Director Asia Pacific, Brand Finance.
“Despite political uncertainty, the sustained 7% growth in brand value this year shows that South Korea’s brand ecosystem is underpinned by deep trust, strategic agility, and a strong commitment to innovation.”
Samsung remained South Korea’s most valuable brand for the ninth consecutive year, with its brand value rising 9% to USD89.4 billion. The company’s growth was driven by smartphones and semiconductors, investments in artificial intelligence and chips, and sustainability initiatives, including renewable-powered factories and circular economy programs.
“The tech titan’s dominance is driven by global scale, innovation, and its symbolic role in South Korea’s economic ascent,” said Brand Finance.
Hyundai secured second place, with brand value up 15% to USD26.4 billion. Its performance was supported by rising electric vehicle sales, strong business results, favorable exchange rates, and a KRW24.3 trillion domestic investment to boost EV production and mobility research.
SK Hynix ranked third, posting the strongest growth among the top three. Its brand value increased 37% to USD13.7 billion, reflecting record fiscal 2024 results, including a 102% revenue surge and 41% operating margin. Growth was fueled by global demand for AI memory and leadership in HBM and high-density DRAM.
Most Valuable South Korean Brands 2025
- Samsung
- Hyundai
- SK hynix
- Kia
- LG
- Coupang
- KB Financial Group
- Shinhan Financial Group
- Hyundai Mobis
- Samsung C&T
Samsung Heavy Industries was named South Korea’s strongest brand in 2025, with its brand value up 32% to USD577 million and a Brand Strength Index score of 93.4 out of 100, earning a AAA+ rating.
Strongest South Korean Brands 2025
- Samsung Heavy Industries
- Samsung C&T
- Samsung Securities
- Samsung
- Chamisul
- Hyundai Corporation
- Hyundai Engineering & Construction
- LG Innotek
- Naver
- Incheon International Airport
Other standouts include Samsung C&T (up 15% to USD 6.0 billion) and Samsung Securities (up 42% to USD 618 million), both of which earned AAA+ brand strength ratings.
Meanwhile, GS EPS was the fastest-growing brand, surging 104% to USD340 million on the back of improved revenue forecasts and renewed confidence in long-term energy demand.
Samsung also recorded the highest Sustainability Perceptions Value in the country, at USD7.9 billion, according to the Sustainability Perceptions Index 2025.
