Slovakia strengthens its position as hub for Korean investment in Europe

Michal Bordean, left, head of Economic & Commercial Affairs of the Slovak Embassy in Korea, and Michal Dutko, head of the Slovak Investment Office in Korea from the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency, stand next to each other at Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Seoul, June 1. Courtesy of Embassy of the Slovak Republic

As Korean companies accelerate their expansion into Europe, Slovakia is emerging as one of the continent’s most attractive gateways, leveraging its strategic location, advanced manufacturing base and growing cooperation with Korea in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and research.

Officials from the Embassy of the Slovak Republic and Slovakia’s investment promotion agency say bilateral ties are entering a new phase, moving beyond traditional manufacturing into high-value sectors such as AI-driven automation, semiconductors, industrial robotics and joint research.

“Slovakia’s goal is not simply to attract more factories, but to bring in investment with added value,” Michal Dutko, head of the Slovak Investment Office in Korea under the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO), told The Korea Times at the Slovak Embassy in Seoul.

“That is why we are focusing on robotics, AI, semiconductors and cooperation between universities and research institutions,” Dutko said.

Robotics has become a strategic priority for Slovakia as the country prepares its workforce for an increasingly automated future. Home to major automotive manufacturers including Kia Slovakia, Volkswagen, Stellantis, Jaguar Land Rover and Volvo, Slovakia is the world’s largest car producer per capita. As automation accelerates across the manufacturing sector, officials see an urgent need to retrain workers and cultivate expertise in robot deployment, maintenance and programming.

“Automation is inevitable,” Dutko said. “Rather than resisting it, we need to prepare people to work alongside new technologies and create the next generation of specialists.”

He emphasized robotics was chosen as a strategic sector because of Slovakia’s heavy dependence on industrial manufacturing, particularly automotive production.

“Our goal is to prepare the labor force for increased automation and robotization,” he said. “People on assembly lines are being replaced at a rapid pace, especially in the automotive industry. We need specialists capable of implementing, servicing and managing robotic systems.”

Employees work on an assembly line at Kia Slovakia, one of the country's largest automotive manufacturing facilities. Courtesy of Kia

Still, the automotive sector remains one of the strongest pillars of Korea-Slovakia cooperation. Korean companies already play a significant role in Slovakia’s industrial ecosystem, while the country’s location in the heart of Europe provides investors with access to the broader EU market. Slovak officials also see opportunities to expand collaboration in battery manufacturing, smart factories, predictive maintenance, digital twins and autonomous logistics.

Michal Bordean, head of economic and commercial affairs at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Seoul, underscored that Slovakia offers Korean investors a combination of advantages that are becoming increasingly difficult to find elsewhere in Europe.

“Slovakia provides a highly skilled workforce, a strong industrial tradition, eurozone membership, excellent infrastructure and a safe business environment,” Bordean said. “For Korean companies looking to localize production and serve the European market, Slovakia is a natural choice.”

According to them, the foundations of the bilateral economic relationship were laid more than two decades ago. A key turning point came in 2004, when Kia established its manufacturing plant in Žilina. Slovak authorities supported the investment through infrastructure development, incentives and workforce training.

“The success of Kia’s investment created confidence among other Korean companies and suppliers,” Dutko said. “Since then, dozens of Korean suppliers and technology firms have established operations in Slovakia, creating a well-developed Korean business ecosystem.”

Bordean further explained that Slovakia’s success in attracting Korean investment stems not only from incentives but also from proactive government engagement, rapid decision-making and close coordination among public institutions.

"Slovakia offers strategic investors a broad range of support measures, including tax incentives, assistance with job creation and employee training, industrial land and infrastructure development, and grants for research and innovation activities," Bordean noted.

A view of Hyundai Mobis’ manufacturing plant in Gbeľany, Slovakia / Courtesy of Mobis Slovakia

Cooperation has accelerated since Korea reopened its borders in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with SARIO, the embassy has organized a series of economic and academic missions, bringing Slovak researchers, professors and entrepreneurs to Korea to identify areas for long-term collaboration. Korean university representatives and business leaders have since made reciprocal visits to Slovakia, expanding the partnership beyond business into academia.

Bordean pointed out that Korea’s global leadership in industrial robotics and factory automation makes it a natural partner for Slovakia’s technological ambitions. The embassy has been strengthening ties with Korean robotics companies while fostering closer cooperation between universities in both countries.

“Slovak and Korean universities have launched joint research projects and student exchange programs in recent years, with cooperation expanding in areas such as robotics, sensor technology and advanced manufacturing,” Bordean said.

He added that Slovak officials are working to establish a robotics and AI hub that would bring together Korean companies, Slovak universities and research institutions under a single innovation ecosystem.

“We see research and development as one of the most important pillars of future cooperation,” he said. “The economic impact may not be immediate, but the long-term benefits can be transformational for both countries.”

A view of Hyundai Wia’s manufacturing plant in Slovakia / Courtesy of Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency

Energy security has emerged as another advantage. Slovakia is a net exporter of electricity and operates two nuclear power plants, with plans to expand capacity in the future — an increasingly important factor for energy-intensive industries such as batteries, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.

Looking ahead, Slovak officials expect cooperation with Korea to deepen further through joint ventures, research partnerships and technology-driven investment projects.

“We want Slovakia to remain a reliable and predictable partner for Korea in Europe,” Dutko said. “The future lies in innovation, robotics and advanced technologies, and we believe both countries have much to gain by building that future together.”