With demonstrable experience in city development projects, Bae, Kim & Lee LLC is recognised as a market leader in REIT and REF structures in real estate transactions. Practice head Eun Jin Jeon specialises in collective real estate investments, and has considerable experience in handling related M&A mandates. Gun Chul Do acts on behalf of major clients in inbound and outbound investments, advising on project financing matters and property litigation. Hyeon Kang is another key contact in the group, advising on development projects and financial transactions, as is Sungtae Park, who ‘strikes a very good balance of listening to clients’ needs and finding solutions’.
Real estate: local firms in South Korea
Bae, Kim & Lee LLC
Practice head(s):
Eun Jin Jeon
Other key lawyers:
Gun Chul Do; Hyeon Kang; Seung Eun Chi; Sungtae Park
Testimonials
‘Bae, Kim & Lee LLC has great breadth of expertise, with connections to external advisers from senior industry and government backgrounds to address difficult and niche issues.’
‘Sungtae Park is a resourceful partner. For real estate acquisition deals, he managed to work with other in-house teams for due diligence, loan documentations, and business combinations filing on a project basis.’
‘The real estate team maintains work quality by making sure that the team members are fully familiar with the client. Thanks to the hard work of this real estate team, BKL is the most trusted law firm for us.’
‘Sungtae Park constantly puts in the effort to make deep and broad communication with the client not only for reactive services but also proactive and preventive services.’
‘Sungtae Park strikes a very good balance of listening to clients’ needs and finding solutions.’
Key clients
CapitaLand Investment
General Motors (Korea)
KB Securities
LOGOS Property
MKS Instruments
NH Investment & Securities
Pacific Asset Management
PGIM
Shinhan Securities
SK reit management
Work highlights
- Advised KB Securities on the IPO and listing of KB Star REIT on Korea Exchange.
- Advised Pacific Asset Management on the development project of an Internet Data Center in Korea, with investment from the Canadian Pension Investment Board.
- Advised Shinhan Securities on a sale and leaseback transaction for the disposition of its headquarters building in the Yeouido financial district in Seoul.
Kim & Chang
Counting domestic and international companies among its key roster of clients, Kim & Chang's team advises on a wide range of construction-related transactions involving the full range of real properties. Yon Kyun Oh leads the team and Keun Ah Cho specialises in real estate-related M&A, in addition to tax-efficient property investment structures, asset-backed securitisations, and share acquisition matters. Sang Min Lee advises foreign investors and companies on inbound purchases and acquisitions, as well as advising domestic real estate funds on inbound transactions. Dual qualified in New York and Seoul, attorney Jin Ho Song handles matters concerning special purpose vehicle establishment and management.
Practice head(s):
Yon Kyun Oh
Other key lawyers:
Keun Ah Cho; Sang Min Lee; Jin Ho Song
Key clients
GIC
Angelo, Gordon & Co.
DWS Group
KKR & Co.
Goldman Sachs
The Blackstone Group
Brookfield Asset Management
M&G Real Estate
Mirae Asset Financial Group
Samsung SRA Asset Management Co.
Work highlights
- Advised Hines in connection with the acquisition, development, leasing and sale of a mixed use building complex in Busan, Republic of Korea.
- Advised a buyer and its fund manager on the acquisition of two office buildings.
- Advised on forward sale of logistics facilities under construction.
Lee & Ko
Lee & Ko‘s market leading practice handles the full range of mandates, from development and reconstruction-related transactions, to overseas investments, as well as property litigation. Junghwan Lee jointly leads the team alongside Dong Seok Woo and Jin Wook Yang, who focus on conventional commercial sale and purchase transactions, fund-of-funds real estate investments, and REITs in project financing development projects. Other key contacts in the group incude Ju-Young Susie Im and Jee In Kim, who focus on inbound and outbound acquisition and purchases.
Practice head(s):
Junghwan Lee; Dong Seok Woo; Jin Wook Yang
Other key lawyers:
Ju-Young Susie Im; Jee In Kim
Testimonials
‘Dong Seok Woo is a highly respected real estate lawyer.’
‘Junghwan Lee professional and is good at collaborating with other lawyers involved in the matter. He gives timely advice.’
Key clients
IGIS Asset Management Co., Ltd.
LB Asset Management Inc.
Tiger Alternative Investors Co., Ltd.
Samsung SRA Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Vestas Investment Management Co., Ltd.
AIP Asset Co., Ltd.
Mirae Asset Global Investments Co., Ltd.
GAW Capital Partners
D&D Investment Corp.
ALPHA Asset Management M.F.M.C
Shinhan REITs Management Co., Ltd.
DWS Asset Management (Korea) Co. Ltd.
Shinhan Alternative Investment Management, Inc.
Hana Alternative Management Co., Ltd.
Mastern Investment Management Co., Ltd.
BNK Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Korea Investment Management Co., Ltd.
Kyungbang Co., Ltd.
Hyundai Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Hyundai Investments Co., Ltd.
Hotel Lotte Co., Ltd.
Lotte Shopping Co., Ltd.
Pacific Investment Management Co., Ltd.
Inmark Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Koramco Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Midas Asset Management Co., Ltd.
KB Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Lotte Insurance Co., Ltd.
Pine and Partners Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Belstar Superfreeze Holdings
Daishin Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Goodwill Company Co., Ltd.
Keppel Asset Management
HHR Asset Management, Inc.
Daol Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Supex Village Co., Ltd.
Solus Advanced Materials Co., Ltd.
Yido Management Co., Ltd.
Nexon Korea
MUFG Bank Ltd., Seoul Branch
Work highlights
- Advised Daol Asset Management Co., Ltd. on sale of its stake in a corporation, which owns Congress Square based in Boston, USA.
- Advised Samsung SRA Asset Management on purchase of Alpha Dome Tower located in Pangyo, Korea.
- Advised Yido Management Co., Ltd. on acquisition and financing of a data center site in Wonchang-dong, Incheon.
Shin & Kim
Shin & Kim’s real estate handles the full range of advisory work and cross-border transactions for foreign and domestic clients. The team is co-led by Kyung Don Lee, who advises investors and asset managers on acquisitions and dispositions of commercial buildings, senior foreign attorney Robert Young, who specialises in international real estate and private equity, and Suk Lee, who advises on high-profile real estate transactions. Thak Hwan Kim advises on cross-border joint ventures and purchases, while senior foreign attorney Eunjoo Lee works with foreign asset managers, representing clients from Europe, UK, USA, Canada, and Japan on a wide range of overseas transactions.
Practice head(s):
Kyung Don Lee; Robert Young; Suk Lee
Other key lawyers:
Thak Hwan Kim; Eunjoo Lee
Testimonials
‘Robert Young has the unique ability to understand and anticipate the needs and concerns of foreign investors, while balancing the considerations and rules of investing into the Korean property markets.’
‘Shin & Kim team has provided a client centric service with expertise in real estate.’
‘The team has valued knowledge of the real estate industry.’
‘Highly responsive and available regardless of time and circumstance. Seasoned team with deep experience in the Korean real estate space.’
Key clients
Blackstone
LaSalle Investment Management Asia Pte Ltd.
Brookfield
Recap V Acquisitions Ltd.
Nuveen Singapore Private Limited
AEW ASIA LIMITED
IGIS Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Kendall Square Logistics Properties
Mirae Asset Global Investments Co, Ltd.
PAG
CapitaLand Investment Management Korea
Macquarie Korea Asset Management
CDL Hotels (Korea) Limited
MERITZ Alternative Investment Management
Hana Alternative Asset Management
GIC Real Estate International Korea Co., Ltd.
Pebblestone Asset Management
Shinhan REITs Management
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Samsung SRA Asset Management Co. Ltd.
Yulchon
Advising on the full range of inbound and outbound real estate investments, Yulchon’s team has experience in handling cross-jurisdictional acquisition and financing work. Tae Jin Cha, who advises on asset management, collective investment and REITs, jointly leads the team alongside Ju Bong Park, who handles a range of construction mandates. Jin Seok Choi advises on real estate deals and finance matters, while Geen Kim is praised for her 'vast experience in overseas transactions'. Other key contacts in the group include Sung You Choi and Young Joon Yoon.
Practice head(s):
Tae Jin Cha; Ju Bong Park
Other key lawyers:
Jin Seok Choi; Geen Kim; Sung You Choi; Young Joon Yoon
Testimonials
‘Yulchon is one of the top firms in real estate, especially for overseas investment deals. It is a highly organised team.’
‘The Yulchon team is exceptional in all aspects. They are available 24/7 around the clock, which is very important upon executing overseas transactions. They are able to apply their vast experience on overseas transactions and easily adapt to any changes that occur during a transaction.’
‘Geen Kim has vast experience in overseas transactions.’
Key clients
ARA Korea
ADF Asset Management
AM Plus Asset Development Inc.
BentallGreenOak
BNK Asset Management Co. Ltd
Capstone Asset Management
Coupang Corp.
CBRE Investment Management (Korea) Ltd. (formerly known as CBRE Global Investors (Korea) Limited)
Daol Asset Management Co., Ltd.
DB Insurance Co., ltd.
Dbloc Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Digital Edge
DWS Asset Management (Korea) Co. Ltd. (changed name from Deutsche Asset Management (Korea) Co., Ltd.)
Edn Investment Management
Gaw Capital
Gravity Asset Management
Hana Alternative Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Hana Asset Trust Co., Ltd.
Hana Financial Investment Co., Ltd.
Hangang Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Hanwha Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Hanwha Investment & Securities Co., Ltd.
Heritage Asset Management
HHR Asset Management
Homeplus Co., Ltd.
Hotel Lotte Co., Ltd.
IGIS Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Inmark Asset Management Co. Ltd
Inmark REITs Management Co. Ltd
JB Asset Management
JR AMC Co., Ltd
Koramco Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Korea International Trade Association
Keppel Investment Management Co., Ltd.
Korea Asset In Trust Co., Ltd.
Korean Teachers’ Credit Union
Kreits Investment Management Co., Ltd.
KY Asset Management Co., Ltd.
LaSalle Investment Management
LB Asset Management
Logos Property
Lotte AMC
Lotte Corporation
Morgan Stanley
Mirae Asset Global Investments Co., Ltd.
Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd.
NH-Amundi Asset Management
NH Investment & Securities Co., Ltd.
NH REITs Management
Oaktree
Pacific Asset Management Company
Pacific Investment Management
Pebblestone Asset Management
RIFA Asset Management
Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co., ltd.
Samsung SRA Asset Management
Seraya Partners
Shinhan Investment Corp.
Shinhan REITs Management
Smart Square D&I
Tiger Alternative Investors
Vestas Investment Management
Woori Global Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised Mirae Asset Global Investments on sale of Office Building in São Paulo, Brazil.
- Advised POSCO O&M on acquisition of Jack Nicklaus Golf Course in Incheon.
- Advised Samsung SRA Asset Management on acquisition of Office Building (450 Park Ave.) in New York.
Yoon & Yang LLC
Yoon & Yang LLC‘s ‘highly dedicated‘ real estate practice is noted for its transactional capability, and handles a broad range of asset management and REIT-related matters. With extensive experience in cross-border investments and social overhead capital projects, Young Woo Park jointly leads the team alongside Hwan Jun Heo. Regulatory specialist Jae Ryun Cho advises on real estate M&A, while finance expert Eun Chul Choi and Chang Wook Shin work on multinational project financings, private equity matters, and real estate trust issues. Hyun Suk Jung is another key team member.
Practice head(s):
Hwan Jun Heo; Young Woo Park
Other key lawyers:
Hyun Suk Jung; Eun Chul Choi; Chang Wook Shin
Testimonials
‘Highly dedicated and receptive to client’s needs.’
Key clients
Hyundai Development Corporation
Hanwha E&C
POSCO ICT Company
Shinyoung D&D
Daesung Industrial
Korea Investment & Real Estate Trust
Koramco REITs & Trust
Korea Expressway Corporation
POSCO
Work highlights
- Advising on logistics centre acquisition located in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do.
- Advising on the sale of an office building called Cosmo Tower located in Wangsimri, Seoul.
- Advising a lender on local housing construction project.
Dentons Lee
With demonstrable experience in outbound and inbound real estate investments, trust establishments and property litigation, Dentons Lee is well-placed to handle a broad range of contentious mandates. The practice is co-led by Timothy Trinka and senior managing attorney Ghil-Won Jo, both of whom handle matters concerning the disposition and leasing of real property, real estate developments and project financings, as well as cross-border acquisitions. Corporate specialist Sung-Eun Stephan Kim is another key contact in the group.
Practice head(s):
Timothy Trinka; Ghil Won Jo
Other key lawyers:
Sung-Eun Stephan Kim
Key clients
Hangang Asset Management
Lotte Hotel and Resorts
Jipyong LLC
Jipyong LLC specialises in cross-border real estate transactions and investments. Expert in acquisition and project financing, Yully Kang leads the team and handles syndicated loans for real estate developments. Joon Hyuk Lee works on the establishment and operation of REITs, REFs, and PFVs, while Seok Jae Lee advises on real asset and development project investments. Financial specialist Sang Hoon Ahn is another key contact in the group, advising on real estate financing mandates.
Practice head(s):
Yully Kang
Other key lawyers:
Joon Hyuk Lee; Seok Jae Lee; Sang Hoon Ahn
Key clients
Hanwha REITs
KPlogistic PFV Co., Ltd.
Kiwoom Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Capstone Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Smilegate Asset Management
Godeok PFV Co., Ltd.
Mastern Investment Management
NH Bank Co., Ltd.
Gwansu PFV
Yangji SLC PFV
KORAMCO REIT
Jayang PFV Co., Ltd.
Hana Alternative Investment
DS Networks Asset Management
Busan office No. 1 REITs
Mokpo Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Hanwha REITs on the purchase of Hanwha General Insurance’s Yeouido building.
- Advised KPlogistic PFV Co., Ltd. on the sales of a logistics centre located in Wonchang-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon.
- Advised Kiwoom Core Retail No. 1 REITs on the purchase of Gwangmyoung Lotte Mall and financing for the required funds.