The brand valuations of South Korea's leading companies have surged, driven by a boom in semiconductor demand due to the global expansion of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, the top two semiconductor firms, have led this growth with strong performances, while key sectors such as defense and finance have also shown solid results, enhancing the status of domestic brands.
According to the '2026 Top 150 Korean Brands' report released by the UK-based brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance, the combined valuation of the top 10 domestic brands reached $196.77 billion (approximately 272.3 trillion won).
This figure represents an increase of about 6% compared to the previous year’s total for the top 10 brands. The overall combined value of all 150 brands surveyed also grew by 4.3% to $357 billion.
In the rankings, Samsung Electronics maintained its dominant position at number one. The company's brand value was estimated at $97.415 billion (approximately 134.8 trillion won), an increase of 8.9% from the previous year. This growth is attributed to the recovery of the global IT market and the competitiveness of its AI appliances and smartphone lineup.
SK Hynix exhibited the most significant growth, leading the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market, a key component in AI infrastructure. The company's brand value surged by 15.2% to $15.76 billion, securing the third spot overall. This increase reflects substantial HBM supply contracts and a rebound in performance that positively impacted its brand reputation.
In addition, companies in the mobility sector, such as Hyundai Motor and Kia, along with K-defense firms that have recently increased global orders, have also positioned themselves among the top brands, broadening the overall national brand landscape.
Brand Finance noted, "South Korea is rapidly establishing itself as a central hub for AI and advanced technology ecosystems." The firm anticipates that major domestic corporations, equipped with advanced manufacturing capabilities and a robust export base, will continue to enhance their brand value in the future global market.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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