Korean institutional investors and real estate investments

Abstract

Korean institutional investors comprise one of the major investor groups in the financial market. Given their characteristics and constraints, asset allocation of such institutional investors is dominated by 'traditional assets' such as stocks, bonds and cash. The recent global financial crisis increased uncertainty, and corresponding low interest rate trends have made it difficult for institutions to meet their own required returns. To accomplish higher and more stable return profiles, major institutional investors in Korea have begun restructuring asset allocation strategies, moving toward greater exposure in the real estate sector. In the context of this trend, where do Korean institutional investors stand on real estate investment? This thesis attempts to cast light on the current and future approaches to real estate investments by the major institutional investors in Korea, including major pension funds and insurance companies. To achieve this goal, the thesis is largely composed of two parts: (i) a prior investigation of real estate and Korean institutional investors with academic literatures and industry data and (ii) comprehensive interviews with Korean institutional investors and their external partners. As a prior investigation, academic literatures show that despite drawbacks, investments in real estate have clear benefits for institutional investors. The industry data clearly demonstrates that the growth of Korean investors' assets under management, intensifying competition in domestic markets, and recent low-interest market environments have all led Korean institutional investors to pay more attention to the global markets. Their real estate investment practices in the global market have been diversified in terms of the destination and property types. Analyzing key interview findings, the study reorganizes practical industry applications and compares them with the prior investigation. The thesis concludes that Korean institutional investors have attempted to establish their own asset allocation strategies based on each unique investment appetite and liability.