Energy & Natural Resources: International
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : South Korea
Band 1
Email address
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T +82 2 6137 6800About
Provided by Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie has been advising clients on high-profile matters in Korea for over three decades. We are trusted by leading domestic Korean and global companies conducting business in the country on a broad range of matters, including projects and project financing, cross-border M&A and investments, as well as regulatory issues in the context of these transactions.
With over 40 legal professionals across global offices experienced in inbound and outbound Korea-related work, we are one of the largest Korea practices among international firms operating in the market. Our team specializes in energy and infrastructure projects, particularly in the oil and power segments as well as the emerging energy transition sector.
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 Korea”)has received official approval from Korea’s Ministry of Justice and has officially launched in November 2023.
The Firm's Korea Practice is led by Won Lee, while Sun Kyun Lim and Jae-Hyon Ahn co-leading Baker McKenzie Korea's Finance & Projects group focus on energy & infrastructure development (including LNG, energy transition and renewables) and project financing work. The Practice group is also run by Partner, Albert Chung in Seoul, focusing on M&A, LNG and greenfield projects.
Chambers Review
Baker McKenzie's global team provides a full range of services to Korean power producers, LNG terminals, oil companies and financial institutions, often in a cross-border context. Its diverse offering of capabilities includes debt financing, project development and purchase agreements. The law firm also advises on both investments in and acquisitions of energy assets. It is increasingly active in offtake agreements for low-carbon ammonia.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team uses its long experience in the industry to advise on the most powerful and efficient way of contract negotiation that addresses commercial and legal requirements."
"The team uses its long experience in the industry to advise on the most powerful and efficient way of contract negotiation that addresses commercial and legal requirements."
Notable Practitioners
Lee Won is well regarded in the energy sector and is particularly noteworthy for his expertise in LNG-related transactions. He also advises Korean players on project-related M&A.
"He is the most commercial and strategic negotiator I've met, as well as an all-round lawyer for many industries."
Lim Sun Kyun is based in Singapore and is especially skilled in advising Korean corporations on LNG projects relating to the South-East Asia region.
"Sun Kyun is a very experienced LNG lawyer. He has been advising Korean clients for years on LNG so he has great knowledge of the Korean market. He is commercial and provides quality advice to clients."
Ahn Jae-Hyon has considerable experience handling a range of mandates in the energy sector. His advice on cross-border acquisitions, investments and financings is regularly sought by Korean clients.
Ranked Lawyers at
Baker McKenzie
South Korea