The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) London is the official UK branch of KOTRA, a government-affiliated organization under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea. Established to promote mutual economic cooperation, KOTRA London plays a vital role in strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and industrial collaboration between South Korea and the United Kingdom.
As part of KOTRA’s extensive global network of over 129 offices in 84 countries, the London branch operates as a key gateway for Korean companies seeking to enter or expand in the UK market, and for British businesses exploring trade and investment opportunities in South Korea.
Core Services and Functional Areas
KOTRA London offers a suite of high-impact services to facilitate international business engagement:
1. Trade Promotion Services
- Assisting Korean SMEs and large enterprises in exporting goods and services to the UK
- Providing buyer discovery and B2B matchmaking
- Supporting British distributors and retailers in sourcing high-quality Korean products, especially in high-growth sectors like food & beverage, beauty, ICT, and healthcare
2. Investment Promotion and Support
- Helping UK companies explore investment opportunities in Korea, including incentives, location analysis, and regulatory assistance
- Promoting Korea’s Free Economic Zones (FEZs) and strategic industries such as biotech, AI, green energy, and advanced manufacturing
- Offering liaison services with Invest Korea, Korea’s national investment promotion agency
3. Market Research & Business Intelligence
- Producing analytical reports on UK market trends, consumer behavior, and sectoral opportunities
- Providing regulatory updates and entry strategy consultations for Korean exporters
4. Events and Campaigns
- Organizing trade shows, product showcases, food tastings, investment seminars, and K-Food exhibitions across the UK
- Hosting annual B2B events under the “Korea-UK Business Partnership” banner
- Digital marketing and social media campaigns through platforms such as Linktree and LinkedIn
Strategic Focus and Industry Sectors
KOTRA London emphasizes support in high-potential sectors including:
- Food & Beverage (K-Food)
- Beauty and Skincare (K-Beauty)
- Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
- Healthcare and MedTech
- ICT and Green Technologies
- Film, Games, and Cultural Content (Hallyu Wave)
Through close collaboration with Korean industry associations, chambers of commerce, and UK trade organizations, KOTRA London ensures targeted business development in these categories.
Market Reach and Performance Insights
As of 2023, bilateral trade between South Korea and the UK exceeded USD 10 billion, supported by the Korea-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). KOTRA London has played a central role in facilitating this growth by:
- Supporting over 2,000 Korean companies annually in UK market expansion
- Coordinating hundreds of matchmaking events and exhibitions with UK buyers
- Promoting Korean brands in major retail outlets and e-commerce platforms, including Tesco, Amazon UK, and Holland & Barrett
The UK ranks as one of Korea’s top non-EU trading partners in Europe, especially in the areas of technology exports, green investment, and F&B.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Multilingual business consultants and legal advisors
- Sector-specific export project managers
- Collaboration with UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and regional chambers
- Access to KOTRA’s global CRM network and product sourcing platforms
KOTRA also maintains partnerships with Korean provincial governments to promote regional specialties and manufacturing clusters abroad.
Certifications and Global Standards
Although not a manufacturing organization, KOTRA enforces strict vetting and onboarding procedures for its exporter network. Companies introduced by KOTRA London typically meet:
- ISO and HACCP standards
- Halal and Kosher certifications where applicable
- UK and EU compliance including CE and UKCA markings
These standards are critical in ensuring trust and minimizing import risks for UK buyers.
Notable Achievements
- K-Food Fair London and K-Consumer Goods Showcase attracted hundreds of UK buyers, leading to long-term retail listings
- Expansion of KOTRA Digital Platform to support remote trade missions and virtual exhibitions
- Supported UK investment projects in South Korea totaling tens of millions of USD, especially in fintech and biotech
- Recognized for enabling rapid entry of Korean pandemic-related medical supplies into the UK during COVID-19
KOTRA London remains a cornerstone in the Korea-UK economic relationship, offering strategic, well-resourced, and market-savvy services to strengthen bilateral trade and investment for years to come.
