South Korea, a dynamic nation in East Asia, continues to captivate the world with its cutting-edge technology, vibrant culture, and thriving economy. Some individuals have risen to extraordinary heights, amassing enormous fortunes and becoming symbols of success in this age of remarkable growth.
The top 10 richest men in South Korea in 2026 exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, resilience, and innovation that has characterised the country’s meteoric rise in the global economy. From technology to the entertainment industry, these individuals have not only accumulated vast fortunes but also contributed to the growth of their respective fields and the improvement of society.

List Of Top 10 Richest Men In South Korea 2026 Billionaires List

1. Michael Kim -$9.7 Billion

Michael Kim is a private equity billionaire who amassed his wealth through investments in the technology and healthcare industries. He is the founder and managing partner of the private equity firm MBK Partners, which has invested more than $10 billion in assets. Additionally, Kim is the president of the Korea Private Equity Association.

2. Jay Y. Lee -$8.9 Billion

Vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, the largest family-owned conglomerate in South Korea, is Jay Y. Lee. Lee’s position was inherited from his father, Lee Kun-hee, who passed away in 2020. Lee is renowned for his aggressive expansion of Samsung into new industries, including smartphones and semiconductors.

3. Seo Jung-jin -$5.8 Billion

Seo Jung-jin is the chairman of Celltrion, a biopharmaceutical corporation specialising in the production of biosimilars. Celltrion is the second-largest biosimilars manufacturer in the world, and its products are sold in over 100 countries. In 2002, Seo founded Celltrion, and he has supervised its growth into a market leader in biosimilars.

4. Hong Ra-hee -$5.7 Billion

Hong Ra-hee is the chairperson of Samsung C&T, one of South Korea’s largest chaebols and a construction and engineering firm. Her position was inherited from her spouse, Lee Kun-hee, who passed away in 2020. Hong is well-known for her philanthropic endeavours, and she founded the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art.

5. Kwon Hyuk-bin -$5.2 Billion

Kwon Hyuk-bin is the co-founder and chief executive officer of the video game corporation Smilegate, whose game Crossfire is the most popular online game in the world. Smilegate was founded by Kwon in 1997, and he has supervised the company’s expansion into a global leader in the video game industry.

6. Kim Beom-su -$4.5 Billion

Kim Beom-su is the founder and chairman of Kakao, a technology corporation best known for its KakaoTalk mobile messaging app. Kakao has over 50 million users, making it the most popular mobile messaging programme in South Korea. Kim founded Kakao in 2006 and has overseen its expansion into a significant South Korean technology company.

7. Mong-koo Chung -$4.5 Billion

Mong-koo Chung is the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, South Korea’s largest automaker. Chung is the son of Hyundai’s 1946 founder, Chung Ju-yung. His aggressive expansion of Hyundai into new markets, such as the United States and China, has earned him a reputation.

8. Cho Jung-ho -$3.8 Billion

Cho Jung-ho is the chairman of Meritz Financial Group, one of the largest financial services companies in South Korea. Cho founded Meritz in 1997 and has overseen its growth into a significant South Korean financial services provider.

9. Lee Boo-jin -$3.7 Billion

Lee Boo-jin is the chairperson of Samsung Everland, the most well-known resort owned by Samsung Everland. Lee is the daughter of the 2020-deceased Lee Kun-hee. Lee’s efforts to promote tourism in South Korea are well-known.

10. Kim Jung-min and Jung-youn -$3.6 Billion

Kim Jung-min and Jung-youn are the co-founders and CEOs of South Korea’s largest travel ticketing company, Yanolja. Yanolja was founded in 2014 and has rapidly grown to become a significant player in the South Korean travel industry. Kim and Jung-youn’s innovative use of technology to disrupt the travel industry is well-known.