What Is KOTRA and How Can It Help International Buyers?
, by Jun Sung Lee, 3 min reading time
Ask Korea β Business & Investment
What Is KOTRA and How Can It Help International Buyers?
KOTRA β Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency β is the South Korean government body that connects foreign buyers with Korean suppliers. For international buyers, it is the most useful free resource available for finding verified Korean business partners.
KOTRA offices worldwide
129 offices
Countries covered
84 countries
Business Partnership service
Free for buyers
Online B2B platform
Buykorea.org
Business Partnership Service β free for buyers
KOTRA's Business Partnership service is the most directly useful tool for international buyers. You submit a product category, volume requirements, and any specific certifications or standards you need β KOTRA's relevant office identifies and introduces two to five verified Korean companies that match your requirements. This is a free service, funded by the Korean government.
To submit a request: kotra.or.kr β Services β Business Partnership, or contact the KOTRA office nearest to your location directly.
Buykorea.org β KOTRA's online B2B platform
Buykorea.org lists thousands of Korean SME products across all major export categories. Suppliers have been reviewed by KOTRA staff and completed a basic export-readiness assessment. The platform is searchable by category, keyword, and certification, with direct supplier inquiry functionality.
KOTRA trade shows and buyer missions
KOTRA organizes buyer missions β structured visits to Korea where international buyers meet multiple Korean suppliers in a managed environment. These missions are typically subsidized (with KOTRA covering some or all accommodation costs) and are one of the most efficient ways to evaluate multiple Korean suppliers in a single trip. Schedules are posted at kotra.or.kr.
GobizKOREA β for Korean SMEs specifically
GobizKOREA.com, managed by KOSME (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency), focuses specifically on Korea's smaller export companies. Worth checking alongside Buykorea, as some companies list on one but not both.
Most effective first step: Contact the KOTRA office in your country or region directly. Office contacts are listed at kotra.or.kr. Staff can guide you toward the most relevant Korean exporters for your specific product category and market β at no cost.
Ask Korea β Business
Questions about working with KOTRA or sourcing from Korea?
Ask the Korea Gateway team about specific KOTRA services, trade show participation, or finding verified Korean suppliers in any category.
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