Department profile
Baker McKenzie

Corporate/M&A: International Firms

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : South Korea

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Baker McKenzie

Rankings

About

Provided by Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie has a long history of successfully serving Korean corporate clients on cross-border transactions in various industries. We are trusted by leading domestic and international companies on a broad range of matters, including cross-border M&A and investments, as well as regulatory issues in the context of these transactions. 

Baker McKenzie has expanded the Firm’s capability in Korea through a historic joint venture with leading Korean law firm KL Partners. Baker McKenzie & KL Partners Joint Venture Law Firm (“Baker McKenzie KLP JV”) has received official approval from Korea’s Ministry of Justice and has officially launched in November 2023. 

With over 40 legal professionals across global offices experienced in inbound and outbound Korea-related work, ours is one of the largest Korea practices among international firms in the market. We focus on industry (energy, power, ports, mining, steel and automotive), infrastructure, IT and communications, and media.

Our M&A team constantly represents in-bound and Finance & Projects team represents out-bound matters that involve multiple languages and multiple jurisdictions. Regularly dealing with cross-border matters and are well-versed in responding to and utilizing the foreign business practices and cultural nuances. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A: International Firms - South Korea

Band 3

What the Team is Known For
The established, on-the-ground corporate team at Baker McKenzie is well equipped to advise clients on complex cross-border transactions and overseas investments. It offers expertise across a broad range of sectors, including the energy, natural resources and telecommunications industries. It is also able to leverage its extensive global network to assist Korean clients with investments in a large number of overseas jurisdictions, including the USA and Vietnam.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker McKenzie advised Hyundai Motor Company on its joint venture with the Public Investment Fund, a Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, to establish smart assembly and manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker McKenzie provides strict cost control within the cap, and the ability to control costs is a big advantage.

    Corporate/M&A: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific

  • Baker’s big advantage is that it charged only the initial estimate and did not add any costs as the project progressed.

    Corporate/M&A: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Won Lee
    Won Lee

    Won Lee

    Lee Won heads the corporate team at Baker McKenzie and is regularly involved in investments, acquisitions and joint ventures. He is sought after by market-leading clients in the telecommunications and energy sectors.

    • He has been in the South Korea market for a very long time.

      Corporate/M&A: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Seong Hoon Yi
    Seong Hoon Yi

    Seong Hoon Yi

    Yi Seong Hoon leads the firm's M&A and corporate team, and is routinely instructed by Korean corporations and private equity houses to advise on significant acquisitions.

    • Seong Hoon's attention to detail and strong understanding of the overall process really stands out. He proactively identifies issues I may have missed, and offers guidance.

      Corporate/M&A: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Seong Hoon is fluent in guiding us through the Korean legal system.

      Corporate/M&A: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at Baker McKenzie (2)

South Korea

Members

Provided by Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie has rankings in the following guides

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