Myoung-Sik Kim, Chief Executive Officer of the new Coldwell Banker Korea and Coldwell Banker Commercial Korea, will lead the brand's expansion into Seoul's Gangnam district. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC announced the launch of these master franchises on Oct. 15, 2026, marking a new entry for the brand into one of the world's most technologically advanced markets.
The initial rollout centers on commercial operations through Coldwell Banker Commercial EKR. This office will staff with existing specialists in the sector and offer comprehensive advisory support. Its scope covers buying and selling properties, leasing arrangements, managing assets, analyzing market conditions, valuing holdings, executing marketing strategies, and advising on investments. The brand intends to broaden its residential real estate presence in the region after this commercial launch.
Kim described the move as a significant chapter for the local industry, citing Korea's technology infrastructure as a base for merging artificial intelligence, data, and real estate expertise. He stated that the goal is to set a new standard for professional service by pairing local market knowledge with the global resources of the Coldwell Banker brand.
The expansion aligns with shifts in the Korean market, where demand is concentrating in prime residential, commercial, and alternative assets. Limited housing supply and growing interest in hospitality, data centers, and industrial real estate are creating new investment opportunities.
Mary Lee Blaylock, President of Coldwell Banker Affiliates, noted that the partnership pairs local expertise with the global reach of a network operating for more than 120 years. She emphasized that the new franchise supports a vision for a more connected and comprehensive real estate experience.
Coldwell Banker Korea is positioned to use South Korea's digital infrastructure to provide data-driven insights and connectivity through the brand's global network. The company aims to help clients maximize asset value by combining global standards with deep local knowledge.
The Coldwell Banker system operates through 88,000 affiliated sales professionals across more than 50 countries and territories. As part of Compass International Holdings (NYSE: COMP), the brand maintains a presence in approximately 120 countries and territories. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.