South Korea has spawned global brands, such as Samsung, LG and Hyundai, that are household names the world over. In Hong Kong, mobile brands such as Samsung and LG are popular with consumers. 

Looking back on last year, even though the overall economic situation was difficult, there was still good news from South Korea. Korea's trade had recorded a surplus for 35 consecutive months, the trade volume was a record high, US$1.1 trillion, while the trade surplus was US$45 billion and export record was US$575 billion. During the Apec CEO Summit 2014 in Beijing, South Korea and China negotiated a Korea-China FTA, which will provide institutional support for Korean businesses in China and Hong Kong in the future.

South Korea is a popular destination for Hongkongers, especially in the winter months as many opt for holidays at the many family-friendly ski resorts. But the country also offers a wide range of summer beach destinations, some of which are easily accessed from cities. 

The K-pop beat and Gangnam style of South Korea's music stars may have taken Asia by storm, but that is not the only area in which the country is exporting its cultural influence. 

People bustling along Tehran Boulevard in Seoul often stop to marvel at the glass fence outside the Gangnam Finance Center building. The handrails look like ordinary clear glass - until they change hue and play media content. 

Managing some of the world's best airports is a feat that Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) is fast gaining world recognition for. The Air Transport Research Society has named three of the 14 airports that KAC operates across South Korea as the most efficient in Asia in 2014. These include Gimhae International Airport in the No 1 slot, followed by Jeju International Airport.

English, international thought, and integrity are vital tools in South Korea's increasingly globalised education and economy. Combining this with research, technology and innovation, Korea International School (KIS) is able to transcend not only a language barrier, but a higher level of academic excellence for South Koreans and international families living in the country.

Envisioning Asia making a global impact in the pharmaceutical industry, Dong-A Socio Group welcomes partnerships with the region's pharmaceutical companies for the development of groundbreaking new drugs.

A major global business and logistics hub in northeast Asia, the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) is positioned to become one of the world's top hubs by 2020. With a geographically advantageous location connecting 61 cities, attractive tax incentives and a highly educated workforce, it continues to draw in record-high foreign direct investment (FDI) - peaking at US$2.07 billion in 2012 in less than 10 years since its inception.

As one of South Korea's representative enterprises, the history of Daelim Industrial is closely entwined with that of the country's construction industry. Daelim has played a pivotal role in the foundation and development of South Korea's major oil and gas plants, civil and building projects.

With rapid population growth and continuing economic development, energy consumption worldwide is projected to dramatically increase. In addition to meeting soaring energy demand, power generation companies also need to address mounting pressures to bring down energy-related greenhouse gas emissions that cause roughly half of global warming pollution. Rising to the challenge is Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), an emerging energy powerhouse based in Seoul. 

Asia's emerging markets continue to grow and modernise, creating immense infrastructure development opportunities in the region. Prospects are also bright in advanced economies that now face ageing infrastructure. South Korea's "technology pioneer" of construction - Korea Engineering Consultants Corporation (KECC) - is well-positioned to capitalise on these market opportunities. Leveraging more than 50 years in engineering consulting services and a culture of unceasing innovation, KECC is strengthening its global platform.

As the Korean wave, or Hallyu, continues to ripple across China and Southeast Asia - fuelling the rise of South Korean cultural exports - Seoul-based integrated entertainment enterprise iHQ is well on its way to becoming Asia's biggest global entertainment content provider. 

Competition among makers of smartphones, TVs and other screened devices drives the demand for thinner yet sturdier glass panels. Amid this and the ever-increasing sophistication in consumer preferences, hi-tech equipment innovator meerecompany has continued to push the envelope in the development of next-generation technologies. 

Hanma - a legendary horse with great endurance - is the symbol of Kyungnam University (KU), an institution that harnesses its strong heritage to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Founded on a tradition of excellence, the university was established in 1946 on the grounds of Kookmin College, set up by independence leaders including Syngman Rhee, South Korea's first president. 

Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technology will soon go beyond smart windows as Q-Sys, South Korea's global market leader in this niche, explores prospects in consumer electronics, appliances, vehicles and building construction. 

Surface treatment technologies are becoming more vital as manufacturers seek to significantly improve the performance and durability of precision components, while reducing their environmental footprint. Dongwoo HST, a leading South Korean provider of advanced heat treating and coating solutions, meets these market challenges through continuous innovation.

Upholding more than three decades of pipe-bending expertise as South Korea's pioneer in induction bending technology, SUNG IL (SIM) is finely tuned into Asia-Pacific's growing pipeline industry. As rising oil and gas consumption in the region attracts investments in pipeline transmission infrastructure, the company seeks to share its expertise beyond South Korea.

Asia moves full steam ahead as the largest market for onshore wind energy. CS Wind - ranked No 1 manufacturer of wind towers - brings world-class wind energy solutions to the region. 

Since it ventured internationally in 2007, Kunhwa Engineering & Consulting is quickly building a reputation on the global scene. 

Beating the odds against cancer is a marathon, not a sprint - and so is the quest to develop better treatments for the disease, among other complex conditions such as immune disorders.

With innovative minds at the helm, Kyungchang Industry (KCI) bridges East and West with defence materiel that ensures geopolitical security in the free world. True to its commitment to excellence, the company released new-generation ballistic helmets, magazines and antiriot suits last year to help the military and police authorities hurdle operational challenges posed by fragile equipment. 

Stem cell therapy will reorient health establishments towards preventive care, a trend that is likely to capture a high-net-worth populace already invested in beauty, health and wellness. 

When it comes to technical expertise, South Korea is considered among the world's hot spots, and Global Tyche epitomises the country's high competence levels. With its track record of delivering quality extruded and moulded rubber products at competitive price points, Global Tyche is gaining traction in its export markets as a trustworthy and reliable supplier. 

Advancements in display technologies are upholding the booming markets of electronics display products in Asia and worldwide. As consumer products such as smartphones, laptops, tablets and televisions remain in high demand, notable optical components developer KOYJ continuously upgrades technologies to support the display industry's growth.

Any equipment can only be as good as its individual components. For cable chains used in applications ranging from car manufacturing to aircraft maintenance, marine engineering and robotics, this means relying on high-quality suppliers. For leaders in these industries, it calls for CP System (CPS).

Ports have long come hand-in-hand with every nation's growth. For Incheon Port, this means helping unlock South Korea's economic potential - and transforming what used to be a country with scarce natural resources into one of the world's wealthiest.