Korean golf courses pricier than ever for investors

　 South Korea’s golf courses are becoming more attractive investment destinations than ever, and their transactions are becoming more and more active, as the coronavirus pandemic has increased interest in the sport and investors seek alternative real asset investments, data showed March 7. 　The total investment transaction volume of Korean golf facilities in 2020 reached an all-time-high, doubling year-on-year to 1.43 trillion won ($1.27 billion), with the priciest course to be traded fet

SK Group expected to launch REIT this month

　South Korean conglomerate SK Group will set up a company to run a real estate investment trust, or REIT, this month, according to reports March 4. 　A REIT owns or finances real estate property to generate income, and allows investors to partially own valuable real estate and receive dividends. 　SK Holdings, the holding company of SK Group, is expected to obtain approval to establish the REIT later this month. After setting up a new subsidiary as early as this month, it will likely launch a RE

Digital therapeutics developer LifeSemantics eyes March IPO

　South Korean digital health platform developer LifeSemantics said March 4 it is ready to go public to raise up to 12.5 billion won ($11.11 million) worth of fresh funds. 　The firm plans to make a market debut on the nation’s tech-heavy Kosdaq market at the end of this month. 　Founded in 2012, LifeSemantics has focused on its business on health information and technology and artificial intelligence-powered programs. Its main platform “LifeRecord” provides MyData, digital ther

Kakaopay CEO urges adoption of fractional share investing

　South Korea should adopt fractional share investing in order to enhance financial inclusiveness and diversify asset portfolio of small investors still rely heavily on real estates, the head of a local fintech firm suggested on March 4. 　By allowing investors to buy less than a full share, investors with a tight budget can have more chances to invest in blue-chip stocks that used to be out of their reach, Ryu Young-joon, CEO of Kakaopay said during a seminar held by Rep. Lee Kwang-jae of the D

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Avoiding regulatory overlap crucial for Seoul to become financial hub: BNP Paribas head

South Korea could be home to international financial behemoths if the government avoids regulatory overlap and takes a more flexible approach to operational issues faced by foreign banks in the rulemaking process, the head of BNP Paribas South Korea said.  In an interview with The Korea Herald, Philippe Noirot, head of territory for BNP Paribas South Korea, said “overlapping regulations” may pose hurdles for foreign financial institutions’ to enter into the South Korean m

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Korean golf courses pricier than ever for investors

South Korea‘s golf courses are carrying heftier price tags as investment destinations than ever, and their transactions are becoming more and more active, as the coronavirus pandemic since last year has opened doors to more golfing activities and investors are scrambling for more attractive options for their real asset investments, data showed Sunday. The total investment transaction volume of Korean golf facilities in 2020 reached an all-time-high, rising twofold year-on-year to 1.43 tri

FTC to revise e-commerce law in line with new shopping norms

Antitrust watchdog seeks to impose more responsibilities on e-commerce retailers