South Korea is riding a wave of economic optimism as its export sector reaches new heights, with the government and industry leaders predicting record-breaking results for semiconductor exports and a major push to expand the nation’s global trade footprint. The momentum is palpable, especially in the wake of the 2025 Export Boom Up Korea Week, a nationwide event designed to turbocharge exports and showcase the country’s technological prowess to the world.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea’s chip exports are expected to surpass US$165 billion in 2025, setting a new all-time high for the second year in a row. This remarkable growth is driven by surging global demand for advanced semiconductors, particularly as artificial intelligence (AI) applications proliferate across industries. From January to September 2025 alone, semiconductor exports hit $119.7 billion—a 16.9 percent jump compared to the same period last year. In 2024, outbound shipments totaled $141.9 billion, already a record at the time.
Moon Shin-hak, the country’s first vice industry minister, highlighted the importance of these achievements during the 18th annual semiconductor day ceremony. "Semiconductor exports this year are expected to exceed US$165 billion, marking a record high for the second consecutive year," Moon stated. He emphasized that the government’s strategy is not just about maintaining dominance in memory chips but also about closing the gap with global leaders in system semiconductors and fabless technologies—areas where South Korea has traditionally lagged behind.
The significance of semiconductors to South Korea’s economy cannot be overstated. Song Jai-hyuk, chair of the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association, called these components a "national strategic asset," underscoring their critical role in powering AI and quantum computing. Song urged for "proactive support" and a concerted effort to foster an "innovative" industrial ecosystem, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of technological advancement. The government, in response, has pledged to bolster support for the sector, recognizing that the stakes are higher than ever in the global tech race.
But the semiconductor story is just one chapter in South Korea’s broader export narrative. On October 21, 2025, the government kicked off the 2025 Export Boom Up Korea Week, a sprawling three-week event held at major exhibition halls nationwide. The initiative, reported by Yonhap and other outlets, is aimed squarely at expanding exports and reviving local economies through a blend of industrial showcases, business matchmaking, and cultural tourism.
What sets this year’s event apart is its sheer scale and ambition. More than 1,700 global companies from 70 countries traveled to Korea for the festivities—a staggering 70 percent increase from the previous year. The number of industrial exhibitions linked to the event also grew, from 20 in 2024 to 28 in 2025, covering everything from electronics and semiconductors to future cars, shipbuilding, marine industries, biotechnology, and consumer goods. About 4,000 domestic export companies—over 30 percent more than last year—participated in export consultations, reflecting the sector’s growing dynamism and confidence.
The week’s agenda included high-profile industry events such as the Korea Electronics Exhibition and the Semiconductor Exhibition in the Seoul metropolitan area, the Daegu Future Innovation Technology Expo (FIX 2025) in Yeongnam, the Busan International Shipbuilding & Marine Industry Exhibition, and the Gwangju Bixpo and Mokpo Namdo International Taste Expo in Honam. Each event was designed not just to showcase Korean products but also to facilitate real business deals. The Ministry of Industry anticipated that more than 10,000 export consultations would be conducted during the event, with contracts and business agreements (MOUs) worth about $350 million expected to be signed—the largest figure ever for such an event.
Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Corporation (KOTRA) played a pivotal role, hosting a reception at KINTEX on the event’s first day to bring together international buyers and leading Korean exporters. This matchmaking, officials say, is key to turning Korea’s technological edge into tangible global market gains.
But the government’s approach goes beyond business. Recognizing the value of cultural diplomacy and experiential marketing, the event integrated tourism and local culture into its export strategy. Building on last year’s "Bleisure" (business plus leisure) program, the 2025 edition introduced new cultural experiences: the Hangang Cruise and Hanbok Experience in metropolitan Seoul, the Gyeongju Culture Tour and Chimaek Festival in Yeongnam, traditional liquor and cultural property experiences in Chungcheong, and a marine cable car and Namdo Rice Tour in Honam. These initiatives aim to deepen foreign buyers’ connection to Korea, making it more likely they’ll return—not just as tourists, but as business partners.
Trade Minister Yeo Han-gu, who visited the venue and inspected the export consultation site on October 21, 2025, was bullish about the country’s prospects. "The government will work together to promote the brand power of K-company to the world by combining the enthusiasm of businessmen and the government’s support and to serve as a springboard for a global leap beyond APEC," Yeo said. The government’s vision is clear: leverage the international spotlight from hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju to cement Korea’s status as a global export powerhouse.
The collaborative effort behind Export Boom Up Korea Week is notable, with the Ministry of Industry, local governments, business associations, and exhibition halls all pulling in the same direction. The goal is not only to boost exports but also to revitalize domestic demand by drawing on the unique strengths of each region—whether that’s high-tech innovation in Seoul, shipbuilding in Busan, or culinary excellence in Mokpo.
The numbers, the optimism, and the strategic vision all point to a country determined to seize its moment on the world stage. As global demand for advanced technologies grows, South Korea is betting that its blend of innovation, industry, and culture will keep its export engine roaring for years to come.
With record-breaking semiconductor shipments, an ever-expanding lineup of export-focused events, and a government keen to showcase the best of Korea to the world, the nation’s economic ambitions are as bold as ever. The coming year will reveal just how far this export boom can take them—but for now, the outlook is bright and the momentum unmistakable.