Top 10 Pioneering Real Estate Lawyers Influencing South Korea’s Market in 2023

South Korea, with its burgeoning economy and rapidly developing urban landscape, presents a wealth of opportunities for investment in real estate. However, navigating this sector requires a key understanding of the complex regulatory environment, so the role of a highly knowledgeable real estate lawyer is crucial. In this article, we will profile some of South Korea’s most noteworthy real estate lawyers who have pushed boundaries and achieved remarkable successes for their clients.

These titans of South Korean real estate law have represented a wide clients range of clients, including local and international organizations, and managed many significant transactions. Their practices encompass a broad scope of real estate matters, including sales and purchases, leases, property development, zoning issues, and regulatory compliance. They have earned their reputations through diligent, creative, and client-focused lawyering.

Each lawyer we will discuss has a distinctive journey, but all share a commitment to excelling in the world of real estate law, and a passion for helping their clients succeed. Here are some of the real estate lawyers making a big impact in South Korea today:

David Pyun

Based at Kim & Chang, David Pyun handles both domestic and international real estate deals, focusing primarily on M&A, financing, and investments. He offers with particular expertise in supporting asset managers and corporations with real estate acquisitions and disposals.

Joon Hyuk Lee

With nearly two decades of experience in the Korean legal market, Joon Hyuk Lee of Jipyong LLC specializes in real estate investment and financing, and is recognized for his proficiency in handling investments involving REITs, real estate funds, and PFVs.

Young Woo Park

Young Woo Park is a leading light at Yoon & Yang LLC, where he excels in advising both Korean and international investors on a broad range of transactional real estate matters, notably investments, sales, and acquisitions.

Hyeon Kang

At Bae, Kim & Lee LLC, Hyeon Kang provides expert advice on the public offerings of REITs, real estate investments through special purpose vehicles, and regulatory matters. He is particularly experienced in helping asset management firms navigate cross-border investments and acquisitions.

Robert C Young

Robert Young at Shin & Kim is known for advising international and domestic investors and funds on their acquisitions and sales of Korean real estate assets.

Junghwan Lee

Leading the real estate group at Lee & Ko in Seoul, Junghwan Lee is lauded for his work supporting domestic investors and private funds on their outbound real estate investments. He is frequently mandated in transactions involving both commercial and residential properties.

Yon Kyun Oh

Yon Kyun Oh of Kim & Chang offers extraordinary real estate expertise built over three decades. He has managed a wide array of development and transaction matters, including licensing, permitting, property development issues, and investments into real estate assets.

Kyoung Soo Chang

Kyoung Soo Chang also hails from Shin & Kim, where he receives strong endorsements for his real estate work covering acquisitions, investments, and financing transactions for both domestic and international clients.

Jin Seok Choi

At Yulchon LLC, Jin Seok Choi excels in working on real estate investments and developments in various sectors including logistics, retail, and hospitality.

Hyun Lee

Finally, Hyun Lee of Shin & Kim, stands out for his work on REIT-related transactions. His clients include domestic and international asset managers and REITs, and he’s well-acclaimed for assisting with real estate finance transactions and investments.