Chinese new energy vehicle maker BYD is aiming to sell more than 10,000 vehicles in South Korea this year, marking a sharp increase from its first full year in the market, as the company accelerates its overseas expansion.
The target represents a 64% rise from the 6,107 passenger vehicles BYD sold in South Korea in 2025, according to BYD Korea, the company’s local unit. The figure was reported by The Korea Times, citing the subsidiary.
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“While 2025 was a honeymoon period during which BYD worked closely with its dealer partners to lay the groundwork, this year will mark the first year of its full-fledged leap in Korea’s passenger car market,” BYD Korea said in a press release.
BYD formally entered the South Korean passenger car market in January 2025, initially launching the Atto 3 compact sport utility vehicle, known in China as the Yuan Plus. The automaker later expanded its lineup with the Seal midsize sedan and the Sealion 7 midsize SUV, which is marketed in China as the Sealion 07.
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To support higher sales volumes, BYD plans to introduce three additional models in South Korea in 2026, according to the report. These include a rear-wheel-drive version of the Seal, the Dolphin compact hatchback and a DM-i model using BYD’s plug-in hybrid technology.
The company is also expanding its physical presence. BYD aims to grow its South Korean retail footprint to 35 showrooms and 26 after-sales service centres by the end of December, The Korea Times reported.
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South Korea is one of Asia’s most competitive automotive markets, dominated by domestic players led by Hyundai Motor Group, while global manufacturers such as General Motors and Renault also maintain significant local operations.
The South Korea push forms part of BYD’s broader international strategy. The company has said it is targeting 1.3 million overseas vehicle sales in 2026, following exports of just over 1.04 million new energy vehicles from China in 2025.
