Korean Investors Bet Big on Chinese Stocks: A 30% Surge in 2025

Key Points

  • Significant Surge: South Korean investors have increased their holdings in Chinese equities by a massive 30% in 2025, reaching ¥24.475 billion RMB ($3.42 billion USD) by August 18.
  • Targeted Sectors: The capital inflow is primarily directed towards high-growth Technology and New Energy sectors.
  • Key Players: Investors are focusing on established giants such as Xiaomi (Xiaomi 红米), Tencent (Tengxun 腾讯), and BYD (Build Your Dreams 比亚迪).
  • Market Rebound: This surge signifies a strong rebound after a two-year decline, with holdings bottoming out at ¥19.083 billion RMB ($2.67 billion USD) at the end of 2024 from a peak of ¥27.659 billion RMB ($3.87 billion USD) in late 2022.

Here’s the deal: Korean investors are piling into Chinese stocks, signaling a major shift in market sentiment after a multi-year slump.

As of August 18, 2025, South Korean investors have boosted their holdings in Chinese equities by a massive 30% this year alone.

This isn’t pocket change. We’re talking about a jump from ¥19.083 billion RMB ($2.67 billion USD) at the end of 2024 to an impressive ¥24.475 billion RMB ($3.42 billion USD).

This surge is a clear indicator of renewed confidence, primarily from Korean retail investors looking for growth opportunities in the Chinese market.

South Korean Investment in Chinese Equities (2022-2025)
Date Holdings (¥ Billion RMB) Holdings ($ Billion USD) Change Since Previous Period
End of 2022 27.659 3.87
End of 2023 N/A N/A Decline
End of 2024 19.083 2.67 Bottomed Out
August 18, 2025 24.475 3.42 +30% from YE 2024

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What’s Driving the Inflow? Tech and New Energy Lead the Charge

So, where is all this capital flowing?

The money is chasing two of the hottest sectors right now: Technology and New Energy.

These aren’t random bets. Investors are targeting established giants with serious market power.

The top names getting the most attention include:

  • Xiaomi (Xiaomi 红米): The consumer electronics powerhouse known for its competitive smartphones and growing ecosystem of smart devices.
  • Tencent (Tengxun 腾讯): The undisputed king of social media and gaming in China, with its super-app WeChat and a massive investment portfolio.
  • BYD (Build Your Dreams 比亚迪): A global leader in the new energy vehicle (NEV) space, challenging legacy automakers and expanding aggressively worldwide.

These companies represent a strategic play on both China’s massive consumer market and its global ambitions in future-forward industries.

Top Chinese Companies Receiving South Korean Investment (Aug 2025)
Company Sector Description
Xiaomi (Xiaomi 红米) Technology / Consumer Electronics Leading smartphone and smart device manufacturer.
Tencent (Tengxun 腾讯) Technology / Internet Services Gaming, social media (WeChat), and investment giant.
BYD (Build Your Dreams 比亚迪) New Energy / Automotive Global leader in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).

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The Bigger Picture: A Strong Rebound After a Two-Year Slump

This 2025 rally is more than just a good headline; it’s a comeback story.

Korean investment in Chinese stocks actually peaked back at the end of 2022, when holdings stood at ¥27.659 billion RMB ($3.87 billion USD).

What followed was a period of decline through both 2023 and 2024 as market sentiment soured.

Let’s break down the timeline:

  • End of 2022: Peak holdings at ¥27.659 billion RMB ($3.87 billion USD).
  • 2023 – 2024: A period of consecutive declines and investor pullback.
  • End of 2024: Holdings bottom out at ¥19.083 billion RMB ($2.67 billion USD).
  • August 2025: A powerful rebound to ¥24.475 billion RMB ($3.42 billion USD).

The current trend suggests that the dip is over, and investors are now seeing value and opportunity, aligning with a broader recovery in targeted sectors like tech and green energy.

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Key Takeaways for Investors and Founders

Here’s the bottom line:

  • A 30% Surge: Korean retail investors have injected billions into Chinese A-shares and H-shares in 2025.
  • Sector-Specific Bets: The focus is sharp, targeting high-growth technology and new energy leaders like Xiaomi, Tencent, and BYD.
  • Market Rebound: This isn’t just new interest; it’s a significant recovery from a two-year downturn, signaling a potential turning point for investor confidence.

For anyone tracking global capital flows and tech trends, the growing interest from Korean investors in Chinese stocks is a critical development to watch.

Summary of South Korean Investment Surge in Chinese Equities
  • Current Holdings (August 2025): ¥24.475 billion RMB ($3.42 billion USD)
  • Growth in 2025: 30% increase
  • Previous Low (End of 2024): ¥19.083 billion RMB ($2.67 billion USD)
  • Peak Holdings (End of 2022): ¥27.659 billion RMB ($3.87 billion USD)
  • Primary Sectors Targeted: Technology, New Energy
  • Key Companies of Focus: Xiaomi, Tencent, BYD
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