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South Korea: Asian trendsetter

Evonik Country Asia

Reading Time 3 min

July 14, 2025

The Republic of Korea has a long and tumultuous history. Today, it has evolved into a modern industrial nation with a high pace of innovation. In this dynamic environment, innovative products and solutions from Evonik are in high demand.

By Bernd Kaltwaßer

Biologist and editor of ELEMENTS

A wafer disc glows in rainbow colors. — The semiconductor industry is one of South Korea's most important sectors. Companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix represent more than one-sixth of the global production capacity. Thanks to technological advancements and investments amounting to hundreds of billions of euros, the largest semiconductor mega-cluster in the world is set to be established south of Seoul by 2047. The government and private sector are working closely together. Evonik offers numerous solutions with products like the high-purity silane SIRIDION HCDS and colloidal silica, which are used in the semiconductor industry to enhance product properties and process stability.

Two images: The top image shows an attractive Asian woman lying on a white bed. Below is an image of a woman with light-colored hair standing in front of a pagoda and smiling at the camera. — K-Beauty stands for innovative skincare products that emphasize a healthy complexion, hydration, and radiant effects. The trend focuses on extensive skincare routines and natural ingredients. Evonik supports cosmetic manufacturers with high-quality ingredients like biosurfactants and ceramides, which are used in many K-Beauty products and contribute to improving skincare formulations.

A drone shot with the port's loading cranes in the foreground and the city in the background. — Ulsan is the heart of the industrial zone of the same name on South Korea's southeast coast. The city is home to the world's largest automobile assembly plant and shipyards where some of the largest ships in the world have been built. Evonik Peroxide Korea produces peroxides for various applications here.

A cheerful Asian woman in traditional Korean dress eats noodles with chopsticks. — Korean cuisine encompasses a variety of traditional and modern dishes that reflect South Korea's rich culinary heritage. Known for its bold flavors and unique cooking techniques, it is gaining popularity worldwide. Traditional Korean dishes are characterized by a wide variety of side dishes—known as banchan—that accompany steamed short-grain rice. Kimchi is almost always served, while noodles are often made from wheat or sweet potatoes. Evonik's solutions enhance the quality and shelf life of many food products. For example, precipitated silica SIPERNAT improves the flowability of spice blends and prevents clumping of the powder.

Evening atmosphere on a street in Myeong-dong, a lively shopping and tourist district in Jong-gu, in the center of Seoul, South Korea. — The Myeongdong district in Seoul's Jung District is known for its top-notch shopping and tourist attractions. Approximately 2 million visitors stroll through one of the world's most expensive shopping streets daily. Here, international brands and Korean cosmetics can be found alongside historical sites like the Myeongdong Cathedral. Since 1982, the Myeongdong Festival, with its parades, music, and dance performances, has attracted numerous additional tourists twice a year.

A martial artist flies through the air with an outstretched leg and clenched fists. — Korean martial arts have a long history. From traditional disciplines like Ssireum and Subak, which were popular in the 15th century during the Joseon Dynasty, martial arts in Korea have evolved and found modern expression in Taekwondo. This dynamic art form, which emerged in the mid-20th century, combines powerful techniques with speed, dynamism, and a philosophy of personal growth, establishing itself as one of the most recognized martial arts worldwide.

On site for 40 years

Evonik and its predecessor companies have been active in Korea for 40 years. The focus is on specialty businesses, customer-oriented innovation capabilities, and a trust-based, performance-oriented corporate culture, which form the core of Evonik's corporate strategy.

Evonik Korea Ltd. supplies high-quality products to nearly all chemical-related industries in Korea. Evonik Korea Ltd. is headquartered in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It also has a technical laboratory in Bucheon and an H₂0₂ joint venture plant in Ulsan, SKC Evonik Peroxide Korea Co., Ltd.

Evonik locations

1 Seoul

2 Bucheon

3 Ulsan