South Korean Giants Step Up: Billions Pledged to Flood Relief Efforts

Samsung Electronics employees inspect and repair damaged home appliances in a flood-hit area. (Samsung Electronics)

Major South Korean conglomerates, including Samsung, Hyundai Motor, LG, and SK, have pledged billions of won in donations and emergency aid to help those affected by the recent devastating floods and widespread destruction caused by heavy rainfall.

Samsung Group has donated 3 billion KRW (2.25 million USD) in cash and supplies to support flood victims and recovery efforts. This donation has come from eight of its affiliates: Samsung Electronics, Samsung Display, Samsung SDI, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Samsung SDS, Samsung Life Insurance, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, and Samsung C&T.

SK Group has also stepped forward by pledging 2 billion KRW (1.5 million USD) in relief funds and an additional 300 million KRW (225,000 USD) worth of emergency supplies for families affected by the floods.

SK’s affiliates are providing on-the-ground support as well. Chipmaker SK hynix has delivered 175 packages of relief tents and floor mats to displaced residents in Asan and Yesan in South Chungcheong Province. Meanwhile, SK Telecom has set up mobile phone charging stations and distributed relief items in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, one of the worst-hit areas.

Hyundai Motor Group has committed 2 billion KRW (1.5 million USD) in relief funds and dispatched six relief vehicles, including mobile laundry and sanitation units, to disaster-stricken areas. In addition, Hyundai and Kia are offering up to a 50 percent discount on repair costs for vehicles not covered by insurance, with maximum discounts of 3 million KRW (2,250 USD) for passenger cars and 5 million KRW (3,750 USD) for commercial vehicles.

LG Group has pledged 2 billion KRW (1.5 million USD) and plans to distribute emergency kits containing essential items such as blankets and clothes.

LG’s affiliates are also providing hands-on assistance. LG Electronics has established emergency service centers in Asan and Yesan to offer free inspections and repairs for damaged home appliances. LG Uplus is providing free Wi-Fi service and charging stations in affected areas, while LG Household & Health Care is supplying bottled water, toothpaste, and hygiene products.

POSCO Group has also committed 2 billion KRW (1.5 million USD) through six of its affiliates, including POSCO Holdings and POSCO International.

Hanwha Group has donated 2 billion KRW (1.5 million USD), while both Lotte Group and GS Group have each contributed 1 billion KRW (750,000 USD) to the relief efforts.

On Tuesday, HD Hyundai announced that it would provide 1 billion KRW (750,000 USD) in combined aid—including cash and emergency supplies. Last week, the company had already delivered 100 million KRW (75,000 USD) worth of emergency supplies to Seosan in South Chungcheong Province.

The Federation of Korean Industries, a major business lobby in South Korea, has also joined the relief efforts with a donation of 500 million KRW (375,000 USD).

According to government figures, the torrential rainfall that began on June 16 has led to flooding and landslides, causing at least 19 deaths, leaving eight people missing, and displacing more than 14,000 residents as of Tuesday. The southern regions, particularly Sancheong, have been the most severely affected.