South Korea

Having undergone a complete political and economic transformation in the years following the Korean War, South Korea stands out from its Asian neighbors today as a story of remarkable success. The start of success can be traced back to the military leadership that took control in the early 1960s and led the country for roughly a quarter of a century. While the leadership was thought to be repressive at times, its commitment to economic development drastically changed the nation's path – converting what was once an underdeveloped, agrarian economy into an industrial force to be reckoned with. 

Despite major setbacks brought on by the Asian economic crisis of the late 1990s which forced the country to accept a $57 billion bailout by the International Monetary Fund, South Korea has come back stronger – tripling its pre-crisis GDP – to become one of the most promising markets for investors.

The innovative environment that characterizes South Korea today is due, in part, to the leadership of the former president of the republic, Mr. Lee Myung-Bak (2008-2013), who pushed for a more open and global system rather than the heavily-protected economy of his predecessors. During his 5-year stay in office, a number of measures were implemented to encourage foreign investment in South Korea. This resulted in a decrease in corporate taxes, improved intellectual property rights, and an easier process for the establishment of industrial complexes.