South Korea backs 80 firms to accelerate global service exports

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (Kotra) has chosen 80 service-based firms with strong export potential. These companies operate in sectors like food franchising, education technology, healthcare, content creation, and ICT. Kotra will now provide them with tailored support to boost overseas sales.

Kotra's backing includes help with finding foreign business partners and offering consulting services. The agency will also conduct market research and arrange participation in international trade events. This follows a pattern of growing success—its support led to $13 million in exports for service firms in 2024.

That figure rose to $17 million in 2025, showing steady progress. The initiative is part of a broader push to increase Korea's service exports, which currently make up about 15% of the country's total exports.

The selected firms cover a wide range of industries. Alongside food franchises, companies in edtech, healthcare, digital content, and ICT have been identified for their potential in foreign markets.

Kotra's programme aims to strengthen Korea's position in global service trade. The agency's measures—from partner matching to market analysis—are designed to help these 80 firms secure more export deals. Exact numbers of successful transactions and target regions will depend on future trade outcomes.