South Korean biohealth industry growth and investment

Overview

South Korea’s biohealth industry experienced growth in employment and revenue during the second quarter of 2026. Total employment in the sector reached 1.156 million people, a 2.9% year-on-year increase, driven largely by medical services and the cosmetics industry. While research and development investment rose by 18.7% for listed companies, profitability remained mixed across different sub-sectors.

To support continued sector development, the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization (KoreaBIO) collaborated with government bodies to facilitate investment for 31 biotechnology firms. Through programs such as the ‘24th Golden Seed Challenge’ and the ‘21st Smart Start,’ the organization provided investor relations sessions and one-on-one meetings to assist companies ranging from early-stage startups to those seeking follow-on funding. KoreaBIO also released an investment attraction guide and intends to extend these support programs into 2027.

Entities

Korea Exchange · Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization · Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy · Korea Bio Association · South Korea

Timeline

1 day ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization supports investment for 31 biotech firms
The Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization supported 31 biotech firms with IR sessions and 20 one-on-one investor meetings to facilitate seed and follow-on funding during the second half of the year.
3 days ago

[BUSINESS] 4 sources
South Korea biohealth industry sees employment and revenue growth
South Korea's biohealth industry saw a 2.9% rise in employment to 1.156 million people and a 13.1% increase in listed company revenue during the first half of 2026, driven by R&D and exports.

Sources

biotimes.co.kr · bokuennews.com · bosa.co.kr · hin.company · thebionews.net