October 3, 2025

Central Texas Welcomes New South Korean Partnerships

News Summary

New South Korean businesses are establishing a presence in Central Texas, presenting growth opportunities despite community challenges. The KoreaTexas Forum is aiding South Korean companies as they navigate local hurdles. Concurrently, the Crutch family faces adversity after losing their home to a fire. Community support shines through, with initiatives like a GoFundMe campaign. Major investments are being made by South Korean firms, including Air Texco’s new facility and Hanyang’s U.S. headquarters, promising economic growth and job creation.

Texas is witnessing a surge in South Korean partnerships and business activities, with the establishment of the KoreaTexas Forum aimed at supporting Korean companies in expanding to the Central Texas region.

The forum is designed to assist enterprises looking to set up operations in areas such as Killeen, Buda, Bastrop, Elgin, and their surroundings. Founder EC Chi has highlighted the various initiatives the forum will undertake while addressing the challenges faced by South Korean businesses in the metro area.

Among the notable developments is Air Texco LLC, a South Korean automotive parts manufacturer that recently acquired a 212,832-square-foot manufacturing facility located in Hutto, Texas. This facility at 1501 Innovation Blvd will serve operations for Seoyon E-Hwa Co. Ltd., which specializes in supplying parts primarily to Hyundai and Kia Motors. Seoyon plans to invest $9 million for facility upgrades and projects the creation of 80 jobs, with expectations to expand to 100 positions in the future.

In addition to the growth of individual businesses, Williamson County has strengthened international ties by establishing a sister city partnership with Yongin City, South Korea. This collaboration was facilitated by a visit from Mayor Sang Il Lee, marking a significant step in promoting cultural and educational exchanges. Yongin is making headlines for its notable expansion in the semiconductor industry, with a whopping $460 billion investment planned, positioning the city as a key player in technology development.

As part of these ongoing efforts, Cedar Park City Council has approved the plans for South Korean engineering firm Hanyang to set up its U.S. headquarters within the city. This facility, expected to employ 50 individuals, will be constructed at Scottsdale Crossing Tech Center and is anticipated to commence operations by 2025. Hanyang has a history of involvement in diverse projects, including aerospace technology and semiconductor manufacturing, and maintains a longstanding partnership with tech giant Samsung.

However, the growing number of South Korean businesses arriving in Central Texas does not come without its challenges. A poignant example is the Crutch family, who recently relocated to Central Texas from South Korea. They moved to the area in January but faced an unexpected tragedy when a massive fire consumed their home in Belton on March 5, resulting in the loss of all their belongings. On the day of the fire, Lakoya Crutch was already dealing with the emotional toll of her mother’s death anniversary when she noticed the flames and managed to evacuate her children.

Despite this devastating setback, the Crutch family has received an outpouring of community support. Their church and local organizations provided essential items to help them begin anew. The family has secured a new rental home and is actively seeking prayers and additional support from the community as they attempt to rebuild their lives.

In light of the unfortunate events, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to provide assistance not only for the Crutch family but also for their neighbors affected by the fire. The collective effort showcases the resilience and unity of the Central Texas community during difficult times.

Overall, the recent establishment of partnerships and new businesses from South Korea marks a pivotal moment for Central Texas, promising economic growth and a rich tapestry of cultural exchange. At the same time, ongoing challenges faced by individual families, like the Crutches, remind the community of the importance of support and solidarity in the face of adversity.

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Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.