On the morning of Nov. 13 (local time), BYD held a high-performance vehicle demonstration event for Korean reporters, showcasing its top-tier premium brand Yangwang’s electric supercar U9 — including its “dance” mode — as well as the luxury SUV U8, which was driven over sand dunes and water-covered terrain. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 28 (Korea Bizwire) — China’s largest electric-vehicle maker, BYD, is aiming to significantly expand its presence in South Korea this year, setting a sales target of more than 10,000 vehicles as it accelerates its push into one of Asia’s most competitive auto markets.
BYD Korea said Tuesday that it plans to enter the “10,000-unit club” in 2026, marking both the company’s 10th anniversary globally and its second year operating in South Korea. To support that goal, the company will introduce three new models to the local market, including the compact electric hatchback Dolphin.
The rear-wheel-drive version of the Seal electric sedan, first introduced in Korea last July, is scheduled to reach customers early this year, alongside the Dolphin. Reflecting strong local interest in hybrids, BYD also plans to roll out models equipped with its proprietary plug-in hybrid system, known as DM-i.
The automaker is also expanding its retail and service network to strengthen its foothold. Since entering the Korean market in January last year, BYD has opened 32 showrooms and 16 service centers nationwide. It aims to increase those figures to 35 showrooms and 26 service centers by the end of this year.
BYD ATTO 2 DM-i & Comfort Dynamic European Launch on November 19, 2025, in Barcelona, Spain. (Gian Mattia D’Alberto/Lapresse)
“This year will mark the starting point of our full-scale growth in Korea’s passenger car market,” said Cho In-cheol, head of BYD Korea’s passenger vehicle division, adding that the company intends to establish itself as a trusted brand among Korean consumers.
BYD officially launched its passenger vehicle business in South Korea in January 2025 and has since introduced models including the Atto 3 compact electric SUV, the Seal sedan and the Sealion 7 midsize electric SUV. The company sold more than 6,000 vehicles in the country last year.
As competition intensifies in South Korea’s EV market, BYD’s expansion underscores the growing presence of Chinese automakers seeking to challenge established global brands.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
