By Li Wong
Atlanta, March 18, 2025 — Korean investment in Georgia has skyrocketed over the past two decades, solidifying the state as a key hub for South Korean business expansion in the U.S. In an exclusive interview with Georgia Asian Times, Consul General Sangpyo Suh reflected on the growing Korean American community and the deepening business ties between the two regions.
For Suh, Atlanta is familiar territory. His diplomatic career first brought him to the city in 1995 as a young diplomat at the Consulate General’s office. Now, nearly three decades later, he has returned to lead the mission, overseeing diplomatic affairs across six Southeastern states—Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee—as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Prior to his return, Suh was stationed in Pakistan.
Since its establishment in 1976, the Korean Consulate General in Atlanta has played a pivotal role in fostering economic and cultural connections between Korea and the Southeastern U.S. “Our mission is to support the growth of Korean communities, strengthen trade and investment ties, and deepen government cooperation,” Suh said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the consulate adapted by providing virtual services. Now, Suh notes, operations are fully back to normal. Beyond consular support, he takes pride in witnessing the vibrancy of the local Korean American community, which actively promotes Korean cultural heritage through events like the annual Korean Festival. Drawing more than 100,000 visitors, the festival is among the largest cultural celebrations organized by Korean American volunteers in the region.
A Booming Economic Partnership
Korean foreign direct investment (FDI) in Georgia has surged since the 1990s, making the state a powerhouse for Korean business ventures in the U.S. Major players in the automotive, battery, and manufacturing sectors have poured billions into the region, creating thousands of jobs and reshaping the local economy.
Key investments include:
Hyundai Motor Group: A $7.6 billion electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Bryan County.
Kia Motors: A major automotive plant in West Point, Georgia, that has produced millions of vehicles since its 2009 opening.
SK Innovation: A multi-billion-dollar EV battery facility in Jackson County, supplying industry giants like Ford and Volkswagen.
LG Energy Solution: Expanding battery production to support the fast-growing electric vehicle market.
Georgia’s strategic location, pro-business policies, skilled workforce, and world-class logistics infrastructure—including the Port of Savannah and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—have made it an attractive destination for Korean corporations.
“We forecast that by 2025, the U.S. will surpass China as Korea’s top export market,” Suh said, highlighting the growing trade relationship between the two nations.
Looking ahead, he anticipates continued investment from Korean firms, particularly in electric vehicles, semiconductor manufacturing, and even shipbuilding. Currently, more than 150 Korean corporations operate manufacturing plants in Georgia—a number he expects to rise.
A Thriving Korean American Community
As business ties flourish, Georgia’s Korean American population has also expanded dramatically, increasing from roughly 10,000 in the 1990s to more than 150,000 today. Suh attributes this growth to migration from other U.S. states, rising enrollment of Korean students in local universities, and an influx of entrepreneurs establishing businesses in Georgia.
Beyond economics, Suh remains optimistic about the long-term relationship between Georgia and South Korea. “We’re witnessing a new era of collaboration,” he said. “The strong bond between our communities and economies will continue for decades to come.”
Watch the full interview on GAT YouTube Channel
