SEOUL — Hoban Group, a South Korean conglomerate traditionally rooted in residential housing, is broadening its footprint through aggressive urban renewal projects in the Seoul metropolitan area and successful mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in non-construction sectors.

According to corporate data released in 2026, Hoban Group ranks 33rd among South Korea’s large enterprise groups, boasting total assets of KRW 20.14 trillion ($14.5 billion) and annual revenue reaching KRW 9.77 trillion. Originally launched as Hoban Construction in 1989, the group has systematically diversified its portfolio into civil engineering, urban redevelopment, manufacturing, resorts, golf courses, retail distribution, and finance.

Strengthening Urban Renewal and Construction Tech

In the construction sector, Hoban Construction has aggressively targeted urban regeneration projects in Seoul and the greater capital area. As of September, the company secured over KRW 1.15 trillion in urban development orders, earning a spot in the industry's prestigious "1 Trillion Won Club." Notable projects include the Chang-dong Sang-a 1st apartment reconstruction and the Junghwa Station 2-6 small-scale housing redevelopment.

To support this expansion, Hoban established a dedicated Seoul Business Office in Jung-gu last year, recruiting specialists to handle site evaluation, architectural proposals, and community relations. On the worksite, the company is integrating cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. A prime example is its AI-powered ready-mixed concrete calculation system, which analyzes blueprint data to automatically compute precise material requirements, thereby boosting productivity and safety standards.

Taesung Cable Hits Record Highs Following Acquisition

Hoban ventured into the power infrastructure market by acquiring Taesung Cable (formerly Taihan Cable & Solution) in 2021. Since the buyout, the group has injected capital into research, development, and production facilities, steering the company toward high-value sectors such as extra-high-voltage (EHV) cables, submarine cables, and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems.

The strategy has yielded remarkable financial results. Taesung Cable posted a record connection-basis revenue of KRW 3.63 trillion and an operating profit of KRW 128.6 billion. Since joining Hoban Group, the cable maker’s revenue has grown at an average annual rate of 16.2%, supported by massive international orders from the United States, Europe, and Singapore. By the end of the third quarter, the company’s order backlog surpassed KRW 4.3 trillion—quadrupling its standing at the end of 2021.

Samsung Gold Exchange Doubles Revenue

Continuing its diversification strategy, Hoban acquired Samsung Gold Exchange in 2020, entering the precious metals manufacturing and distribution industry. The subsidiary has successfully expanded its sales network by collaborating with major financial institutions to distribute gold bars and related investment products.

Benefiting from surging global gold prices and heightened market demand, Samsung Gold Exchange doubled its revenue year-over-year to KRW 3.66 trillion. Operating profit experienced an even steeper climb, soaring from KRW 5.2 billion to KRW 54.9 billion.

Industry observers attribute much of this multi-industry expansion to Kim Dae-heon, Chairman of the Hoban Construction Board of Directors. Having previously served as head of corporate planning, Kim has been a driving force behind strengthening traditional construction while securing future growth engines in manufacturing and commerce. Hoban Group plans to leverage the specialized expertise of each affiliate to maintain sustainable momentum moving forward.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]