National Pension Service of Korea
Overview
Established in 1988, the National Pension Service (NPS) of Korea is the world's third-largest pension fund, managing assets exceeding $900 billion. It was created to provide financial support to Korean citizens who can no longer work due to old age, disability, or death caused by an accident. The NPS also runs various welfare programs to help improve the overall well-being of the population. The fund is managed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and is headquartered in Jeonju, Jeonbuk-do, South Korea. As of 2025, the NPS has assets under management totaling KRW 1.227 trillion. The NPS has been increasing investments in risky and overseas assets for higher returns to delay the depletion of the fund, currently expected in 2055 due to a fast-aging population. In 2024, the NPS achieved a record investment return of 15%, marking the highest annual return in its history. The fund held a total of 1,213 trillion won ($833.51 billion) in ... 2024. The NPS is a significant shareholder in 94 different listed South Korean companies, owning more than 5% of their shares, and owns at least one share of approximately 600 different companies, approximately 30% of all the listed firms in the country. Overall, the NPS invests specifically in blue-chip and large market capitalization stocks, which suits their desire for stability and long-term returns on investment. Almost all of its investments are below the disclosure threshold of 10% to avoid mandatory disclosure when a company obtains more than 10% of a company's shares.
Investment Focus
- Diversification across asset classes
- Focus on long-term returns
- Compliance with South Korean investment regulations
- Adherence to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria
- Consideration of global market trends
- Risk management strategies
- Alignment with national economic policies
- Transparency in investment reporting
- Engagement in shareholder activism for corporate governance
- Collaboration with international financial institutions
- Investment in both domestic and international markets
- Support for sustainable development initiatives
- Evaluation of investment impact on local communities
- Integration of technological advancements in investment processes
- Continuous assessment of portfolio performance
Portfolio Companies
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Unlock full contacts →Frequently asked questions about National Pension Service of Korea
What sectors does National Pension Service of Korea invest in?
National Pension Service of Korea invests in Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Energy, Consumer Goods and Industrials, and is based in Jeonbuk-Do, South Korea. National Pension Service of Korea is listed as a pension fund in the ConnectSafely investor database.
What stage does National Pension Service of Korea invest at?
National Pension Service of Korea backs companies at Pre-Seed, Seed, Early Stage, Series A, Series B and Growth, writing cheques of 1M - 1B.
Which regions does National Pension Service of Korea invest in?
National Pension Service of Korea invests across United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Japan and Australia.
What companies has National Pension Service of Korea invested in?
National Pension Service of Korea's portfolio includes Samsung Electronics, POSCO, Shinhan Financial Group, Samsung Biologics, Hyundai Motor Company, SK Hynix, LG Chem and Kia Corporation.
Last updated · Source: ConnectSafely investor database
