On November 13, 2025, the Seoul Metropolitan Government formally established Invest Seoul, a municipal agency dedicated to attracting and facilitating corporate foreign direct investment. Officially registered on October 21, the organization will function as a centralized hub for Seoul’s investment initiatives, focusing on strategic industries including fintech, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and robotics. Invest Seoul’s strategies encompass tailored support for companies, promotion of key development sites, and the cultivation of international partnerships—evidenced by initial memoranda of understanding with agencies from the United States, Japan, France, and Luxembourg—aiming to position Seoul as a leading Asian investment destination.
Invest Seoul: Launch and Core Objectives
Invest Seoul officially launched on November 13, 2025, as a dedicated agency of the Seoul Metropolitan Government focused on attracting foreign corporate investment. Registered on October 21st, it represents a strategic response to increasing global competition for capital. The agency isn’t simply aiming to facilitate deals; it intends to become the central control point for all of Seoul’s investment initiatives, proactively targeting key sectors like fintech, AI, biotech, and robotics for growth.
A core objective is establishing Seoul as “Asia’s leading global investment hub” through tailored support and strategic networking. Invest Seoul recently secured significant quantum computing investments—a $57 million deal with Quandela and a prior partnership with Pasqal—demonstrating early success. Beyond securing deals, the agency will offer “one-stop” support throughout the entire investment lifecycle, from initial consultation to expansion, aiming to streamline processes and foster long-term partnerships.
To bolster its reach, Invest Seoul signed Memorandums of Understanding with investment promotion agencies from the US, Japan, France, and Luxembourg. These agreements prioritize joint conferences, networking opportunities, and the creation of an international partnership ecosystem. Combined with planned collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to expand investor incentives, this signifies a comprehensive strategy to attract not just capital, but also technology and talent to Seoul.
Strategic Initiatives for Attracting Investment
Seoul’s new agency, Invest Seoul, launched November 14, 2025, signals a proactive shift in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Responding to increasing global competition, the city government established this dedicated entity – the first of its kind for a Korean municipality – to streamline investment processes. Key strategies include targeted support for strategic industries like fintech, AI, biotech, and robotics, alongside promotion of key development sites. This initiative aims to position Seoul as a leading “Asia’s global investment hub,” moving beyond simply being good for investment to being desired by investors.
Recent successes underscore the potential of this focused approach. Seoul recently secured a $57 million investment from French quantum computing firm Quandela, building on a prior partnership with Pasqal. These deals demonstrate a commitment to cultivating a thriving quantum industry ecosystem—a field requiring significant capital and specialized talent. Invest Seoul will work alongside the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to expand financial incentives for international investors, further solidifying Seoul’s position in this high-growth sector.
A core tenet of Invest Seoul’s strategy is establishing a robust international network. The agency signed memorandums of understanding with investment promotion agencies from the US, Japan, France, and Luxembourg, facilitating collaborative conferences and building a new partnership ecosystem. This isn’t just about attracting capital; it’s about fostering long-term relationships and providing “one-stop” support—from initial consultation to business expansion—to ensure sustained investment and growth within the city.
Key Partnerships and Industry Focus
Seoul’s newly launched Invest Seoul agency signals a strategic push for foreign direct investment, formalized with MOUs signed with agencies from the US, Japan, France, and Luxembourg. These partnerships aim to build a robust international network facilitating joint conferences and collaborative investment initiatives. The agency’s focus isn’t simply attracting capital, but creating an ecosystem where businesses can thrive – offering ‘one-stop’ support from initial consultation through expansion phases, streamlining processes for foreign firms.
The city is prioritizing high-growth sectors, notably evidenced by recent deals with French quantum computing firms Quandela ($57 million investment) and Pasqal. This commitment demonstrates Seoul’s ambition to become a leading quantum technology hub, extending beyond simple financial incentives to include joint R&D networks and talent development. Officials anticipate these strategic investments will foster a thriving ecosystem for quantum-focused firms and position Seoul at the forefront of this emerging technology.
Invest Seoul’s approach emphasizes tailored support and leverages Seoul’s unique strengths to attract “anchor companies” in key strategic industries—fintech, AI, biotech, and robotics. Beyond the agency’s internal efforts, collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will expand financial incentives for international investors. This multi-faceted strategy aims to transform Seoul into Asia’s premier global investment destination, attracting both capital and skilled talent.
