Texas has officially cemented its status as the crucial U.S. partner in the rapidly expanding economic relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK). Driven by massive, strategic investments, particularly in the tech and manufacturing sectors, the Lone Star State is becoming the primary destination for Korean capital and a central hub for U.S.-ROK trade.

The Capital Magnet: Korea is Texas's Top Investor

The sheer volume of Korean investment flowing into Texas is staggering. South Korea is confirmed as the No. 1 source country for capital investment created by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Texas over the last decade.

  • Over the past 10 years, Korean companies have reported 59 investment projects in Texas.
  • This investment totals nearly $50.7 billion in capital investment.
  • These projects are responsible for creating more than 12,950 new jobs.

This economic activity underpins a massive trade volume, with South Korea currently ranking as Texas's fourth-largest total trade partner, accounting for $32 billion in trade in 2023 alone.

The Austin-Taylor Corridor: A High-Tech Hub

The Central Texas region, anchored by the Austin-Taylor corridor, has become the epicenter of this economic boom, largely due to the presence of Samsung's massive semiconductor facilities.

  • Samsung's Presence: With two facilities already in Austin and a massive new plant under construction in Taylor, Samsung is the single most significant driver of Korean capital into the state. This has made Williamson County a "top destination" for South Korean foreign investment.
  • Supply Chain Growth: The commitment by tech giants like Apple to work with the Samsung Austin facility to produce chips further solidifies the region's importance. The development has attracted more than a dozen new South Korean small and medium-sized businesses to Williamson County, all dedicated to supplying the new Taylor plant.
  • Manufacturing Expansion: The investment is not limited to tech. SeAH Group’s new steel manufacturing plant in Temple represents another significant $110 million capital investment, expected to create over 100 new jobs in Texas.

National Dialogue Reinforces Local Growth

The strategic importance of the Texas-Korea economic relationship is being reinforced at the national level through high-level government dialogue.

  • The U.S. Department of State is set to host the U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Senior Economic Dialogue (SED) on December 10, 2025, with a key focus on industrial cooperation.
  • These discussions are built upon South Korea’s recent commitment to invest a total of $350 billion in the U.S. over a multi-year framework, confirming the sustained, long-term nature of this partnership.

For the Korean American community in Austin and across Texas, this economic boom translates directly into increased job creation, entrepreneurial opportunities, and a powerful platform for cultural and community growth. Texas is not just a participant; it is the main stage for the U.S.-ROK economic future.