SEOUL, South Korea — The Alabama Department of Commerce today celebrated an expansion of its international footprint with the opening of a new business development office in Seoul, South Korea, strengthening the state’s global trade and investment network in one of its most vital economic partner nations.
Commerce selected Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) — South Korea’s largest professional services firm — to serve as Alabama’s official business development representative in the country.
With more than 50 years of experience supporting both public and private sector clients, Samil PwC brings deep expertise in helping global partners achieve their trade and investment goals.
The Alabama-focused team will be led by Sean Blakeley, an experienced advisor in international business development, with Carol Yelim Choo serving as Alabama’s full-time Korea representative.
Their mission will center on identifying and cultivating Korean inbound investment opportunities and supporting Alabama exporters, as well as organizing participation in trade events and high-level business missions.
“South Korea has been a cornerstone of Alabama’s economic success story for more than two decades,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “From Hyundai’s landmark investment in Montgomery to the thriving network of Korean suppliers across our state, this partnership has transformed communities and created thousands of jobs.
“Establishing a permanent presence in Seoul will strengthen these ties and position Alabama for even greater success in the years ahead,” she added.
South Korea ranks among Alabama’s top three international investment partners, alongside Germany and Japan. Since 1999, Korean companies — led by Hyundai Motor Group and its extensive supplier base — have invested $9.6 billion in Alabama, according to Commerce data.
“Our new office in Seoul is a natural next step in Alabama’s global growth strategy,” said Christina Stimpson, Global Business Officer for Commerce. “With a dedicated team on the ground through Samil PwC, we can deepen our relationships with Korean investors and better support Alabama companies pursuing export opportunities in this key market.”
The new Seoul office joins Commerce’s existing international representation in Stuttgart, Germany and Tokyo, Japan, extending Alabama’s reach across three of the world’s most dynamic economies and reinforcing the state’s long-term commitment to global business engagement.
“South Korea continues to be one of Alabama’s most important and dynamic international partners,” said Hollie Pegg, Assistant Director of Commerce’s Recruitment and Retention Office in charge of Asian strategy. “Our new office in Seoul reflects a long-term commitment to this relationship — one that has already delivered billions in investment, thousands of jobs and a deep sense of shared progress.
“By having a dedicated team on the ground, we can build on that momentum, strengthen our partnerships and open even more doors for Alabama companies and communities,” she said.
