ATLANTA, GEORGIA (April 17, 2025) – The 23rd World Korean Business Convention (WKBC) grandly opened its four-day run at the Gas South Convention Center in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday. Co-hosted by the Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA) and the Korean American Chamber of Commerce USA (KACCUSA), and jointly organized by Maeil Business Newspaper & MBN, the Korea Federation of SMEs (KBIZ), and the Korean Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta and Georgia, this year’s event marks a record-breaking scale with over 4,000 attendees. The gathering brings together overseas Korean business leaders and representatives from South Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the globe.
Under the core slogan, “Leaping Towards the Korean Business Economic Sphere,” the opening ceremony featured a significant declaration ceremony proclaiming 2025 as the “Inaugural Year for Building the Korean Business Economic Sphere.” This ambitious initiative aims to foster tangible exchanges and expand the global network between overseas Korean entrepreneurs and domestic Korean companies. The convention, running until April 20th, is designed to be a pivotal platform for international business collaboration.
U.S. Leaders Extend Welcome and Pledge Cooperation at WKBC
The convention garnered significant attention from key figures in the U.S. government and business sectors, who conveyed their strong confidence and high expectations for the Korean business community and Korean enterprises.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, in a video message, emphasized that “cooperation with Korean companies is a core driver of Georgia’s economic growth.” He further stated that “the Korean business network plays a crucial role in trade, investment, and job creation.” Highlighting the successful presence of companies like Hyundai Motor Group and SK Group in Georgia, Governor Kemp expressed his hope that this convention would further solidify the economic partnership between South Korea and the United States.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens attended the opening ceremony in person, warmly welcoming the global Korean business community to the city. “Atlanta is a city of diversity and innovation, and we are delighted to welcome Korean business leaders from all over the world,” Mayor Dickens said. “By joining hands, Atlanta and the Korean business community can unlock new possibilities in various fields, including technology, culture, and education.”
During a Government-to-Government (G2G) forum, a representative from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration affirmed the robust economic partnership between the two nations. The representative noted that future cooperation would be strengthened through private sector-led exchanges and underscored the importance of the WKBC as a platform for Korean SMEs seeking to expand internationally.
Global Korean Business Network Yields Tangible Business Outcomes
This year’s convention features 400 exhibition booths operated by 391 companies and organizations. Notably, over 500 global buyers, including many from the United States, are participating in over 1,000 pre-arranged 1:1 business meetings. The exhibition prominently showcases South Korea’s specialized industries, including K-food, K-beauty, K-bio, and smart farming technologies, providing significant opportunities for global market entry.
The program also includes a startup competition, a leading CEO forum, a venture capital (VC) forum, and a youth internship program briefing session. These diverse initiatives aim to facilitate information exchange and foster collaboration among Korean business leaders worldwide, serving as a crucial stepping stone for Korean companies venturing into the global economic landscape.
Potential of the Korean Ethnic Economic Community on the World Stage
Lee Ki-cheol, Commissioner of the Overseas Koreans Agency, stated in his opening remarks, “Korean business leaders represent the 7.5 million-strong global Korean diaspora.” He emphasized that “the Korean business economic sphere will serve as a practical global economic network and a central pillar driving South Korea’s future growth.”
The 23rd World Korean Business Convention transcends a mere event; it signifies the commencement of building a global Korean business economic sphere rooted in the trust between South Korea and the United States, where the global network of Korean entrepreneurs translates into tangible business achievements. This year’s convention is poised to be a landmark event in strengthening international economic ties and empowering the Korean business community worldwide.
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