ESG bond issuance up in Korea in 2024

SEOUL, 3rd June, 2025 (WAM) -- Sales of environment, social and governance (ESG) bonds in the Republic of Korea increased from a year earlier in 2024, driven by government-backed financial support, a report showed Tuesday.

According to the report by Korea Investors Service Inc., a total of 47.2 trillion won (US$34.3 billion) worth of ESG bonds were issued last year, up 12.2 percent from the previous year.

An ESG bond is a type of sustainability debt offering aimed at financing corporate activities in environmentally friendly and sustainable projects.

The report attributed the rise in ESG bond issuance to government-led financial policies promoting green initiatives, reported Yonhap News Agency.