The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Oct. 2 said foreign direct investment pledged this year through the first three quarters hit a record USD 25.18 billion, up 5.2% year on year. Shown is President Yoon Suk Yeol on Feb. 14 hosting a luncheon for foreign-invested companies. (Office of the President)

By Lee Jihae

Foreign direct investment (FDI) this year through the first three quarters set a record high of USD 25.2 billion.

Record FDI in manufacturing led the rise of overall investment.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Oct. 2 said FDI this year through the first three quarters rose 5.2% year on year to USD 25.18 billion.

By sector, FDI in manufacturing led the way with USD 12.31 billion, up 36.4%, followed by electrical and electronics with USD 4.51 billion (35.9%), machinery, equipment and precision medicine USD 1.66 billion (128.5%), and pharmaceuticals USD 690 million (136.4%).

The No. 1 investor was Japan with a record-high FDI of USD 4.69 billion, followed by China with USD 4.57 billion. The U.S. pledged USD 3.12 billion and the European Union USD 3.95 billion.

A ministry official said, "Recording its best performance in history, our country as a stable and appealing investment destination attracts investment from global companies."

jihlee08@korea.kr