Korea's first FDI advisory platform for Western investors
KoreaRoots connects foreign investors with affordable rural Korean properties and guides them through every step, from finding the right property to holding a D-8 business investment visa.
No Korean experience required
Everything is handled in English. You don't need to speak Korean, read Korean documents, or navigate Korean bureaucracy yourself. KoreaRoots and our partner firms handle all Korean-language interactions on your behalf.
What we do
Find
Curated rural property listings: title-verified, D-8 assessed, and priced for foreign investors.
Structure
FDI declaration, Korean business entity setup, and full legal structuring through partner law firms.
Secure
D-8 visa application, STR launch, ongoing property management, and a pathway to permanent residency.
Why rural Korea?
South Korea has over 1.5 million abandoned rural properties. The government actively incentivizes their redevelopment through grants and subsidies. For foreign investors, these properties offer entry at a fraction of urban prices (often under $100K) while qualifying for a business investment visa. It's one of the most accessible paths to Korean residency that most people have never heard of.
Who's behind KoreaRoots
Foreign investor trust on one side, deep rural Korean access on the other. No other team holds both.
Steve Wagner
Co-Founder and CEO
- American entrepreneur, F-4 visa holder
- 6+ years continuous residence and business operation in Seoul
- Founded Shared Homies, Seoul's largest English-language international co-living network
- 750+ international residents housed over 6 years
- 50+ rooms under active management
- Consistent 90%+ occupancy rate
- Former Samsung executive English trainer
Danny Hong
Co-Founder and Korea Operations
- Korean serial entrepreneur
- Founded GMMC (주식회사 지엠엠씨), a medical device manufacturer with globally exported products
- Awarded by KITA, KICOX, and the Korean Parliament
- Featured in JoongAng Ilbo (Korea's second-largest national newspaper)
- Deep relationships with rural community centers (마을회관) across multiple provinces
- 2+ years living in rural Korea firsthand
- Fully bilingual (English and Korean)
Key terms explained
Korean property investment comes with unfamiliar terms. Here's everything in plain English.
FDI — Foreign Direct Investment
LegalThe legal framework that lets foreigners invest in Korea
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is the formal mechanism by which non-Korean citizens can invest money into a Korean business or property. Korea actively encourages FDI under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (외국인투자촉진법).
To qualify as FDI — and unlock visa eligibility — your investment must be: • At least ₩100,000,000 (approximately $75,000 USD) • Structured through a registered Korean business entity (법인) • Declared to the relevant government authority before the purchase closes
KoreaRoots handles the full FDI structuring process. You don't need to understand the legal mechanics — that's what we're here for.
Legal & Compliance
- KoreaRoots does not operate as a licensed real estate agent (공인중개사). We are an FDI advisory and concierge platform.
- All property transactions are facilitated through partner law firms and licensed Korean entities.
- D-8 visa filing is coordinated through partner immigration law firms — KoreaRoots does not practice law directly.
- STR income for clients flows through Wehome (government-certified) to remain legally compliant for foreign owners.
Ready to explore?
Browse available properties or see the full process from search to visa.