From June 23 to 25, Utah and Georgia—two member states of the Association of U.S. States in Korea (ASOK)—participated in the “2026 Korea Import Expo (Korea Import Trade Fair)” held at COEX in Seoul. At this expo, Utah supported the participation of two companies—“Taste Artisan Chocolate” and “Stampin’ Up!”—allowing them to meet numerous potential buyers and deepen their understanding of the Korean market. Meanwhile, The Georgia Department of Economic Development participated on behalf of six local food and beverage companies, engaging with approximately 50 domestic importers and distributors over the three-day event and conducting six one-on-one B2B meetings. This effort generated trade leads across various sectors, including fresh agricultural products, nuts, cooking oils, and dairy ingredients. In particular, Georgia’s “Muscadine,” which garnered attention as a high-polyphenol ingredient for food and cosmetics, attracted significant interest. This event served as a meaningful stepping stone for both states to establish new business relationships with top-tier Korean buyers and create tangible trade opportunities.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shinhan Bank, and ASOK (Association of State Governments in Korea) were invited to operate consultation booths and present on the key industrial characteristics and business environments of major U.S. states, as well as insights for companies entering the U.S. market. ASOK Secretary General Andy Hoonjoo Lee delivered the presentation and led the Q&A session. The event was held in the Council Conference Room on the second basement level of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In addition to ASOK, the U.S. Embassy in Korea, the Korea Technology Finance Corporation, Sejong Law Firm, Samjong KPMG, and Shinhan Bank provided information and consultations in their respective fields to companies considering expansion into the U.S.

  As part of the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit, ASOK (Association of American State Offices in Korea) was proud to co-host the U.S.–ROK Investment Networking Reception on May 4, 2026, at 101 Constitution in Washington, D.C., in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Seoul. This special evening brought together Korean companies already operating in the United States, prospective investors exploring future opportunities, and key economic development leaders — all committed to strengthening Korea–U.S. investment ties. Representatives from 14 of ASOK’s 28 member states traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the SelectUSA 2026 Summit, and we were honored to welcome representatives from: Arizona · Arkansas · Fairfax County · Georgia · Kentucky · Michigan · North Carolina · Ohio · Pennsylvania · South Carolina · Tennessee · Utah · Virginia · Williamson County A sincere thank you to our outstanding sponsors whose partnership made this event possible: Bank of Hope · Burr & Forman · CBRE · PKF Plenus · ARCO · Nelson Mullins · GreshamSmith · The Livingston Group · Aprio · Gray Construction · JE Dunn · BMCO With more than 200 attendees filling the room, the energy throughout the evening reflected the continued momentum of Korean investment in the United States across advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, EV batteries, energy, biotech, and other strategic industries. Korea continues to be one of the United States’ strongest and most dynamic investment partners, and ASOK remains proud to serve as a bridge connecting our two countries through investment, partnership, and opportunity.   #BankofHope #BurrForman #CBRE #PKFPlenus #ARCO #NelsonMullins #GreshamSmith #TheLivingstonGroup #Aprio #GrayConstruction #JEDunn #BMCO