K-Fashion Firms Boost Overseas Expansion in New Year: More Stores, New Markets
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
South Korean fashion companies are accelerating global expansion this year by opening more overseas stores and entering new markets to secure profitability beyond a saturated domestic market. Hansem (a fashion company) will open a System Homme store at Galeries Lafayette in Paris and use the city as a global hub, while LF is launching a Hedgies flagship in Shanghai and entering India, Hong Kong and the Middle East. Samsung C&T’s brands like 8seconds plan more stores in the Philippines and expanded online sales; Kolon Sport is growing its presence in China, operating over 200 local stores. Industry leaders call global growth a “must” due to domestic market saturation, weak local demand, and long-term population decline. The rise of K-fashion, supported by K-culture trends and strong retail and marketing capabilities, could follow K-food and K-beauty as a major export sector. Popular Korean shopping platforms such as Musinsa are cited as key draws for foreign tourists (e.g., Myeong-dong Musinsa Standard saw 55% of sales from foreigners). The trend also helps small and mid-sized Korean brands find overseas success via platforms and partnerships.
