RESUMO Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar o processo de internacionalização (tardio) das empresas coreanas ocorrido entre os anos de 1990 e 2015, seus determinantes e o grau de envolvimento do Estado nesse processo. Entre os fatores determinantes do investimento direto externo coreano, destacam-se, entre outros: mão de obra barata, mercado doméstico saturado, desvantagens de custos, concorrência e a nítida estratégia governamental em transformar a Coreia do Sul numa potência regional. Conclui-se que a internacionalização das empresas coreanas não foi resultado das forças livres de mercado. Houve a percepção por parte do governo de que esse processo seria não apenas relevante como também necessário para a inserção virtuosa da Coreia do Sul nas estruturas produtivas e comerciais internacionais.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to present the process of (late) internationalization of Korean companies occurred between the years of 1990 and 2015, its determinants and the degree of involvement of the State in this process. We can point out some determinants in this process, such as: cheap labor, problematic domestic market, cost disadvantages, competition and a clear public strategy to turn South Korea into a regional power. We conclude that this process was not a result of free market forces. There was a perception by the government that this process would not only be relevant but also necessary for the virtuous integration of South Korea in the international trade and productive structures.

The internationalization of Spanish companies. The purpose of this article is to present the process of (late) internationalization of Spanish companies occurred between the years of 1990 and 2000, its determinants and the degree of involvement of the State in this process. We can point out some determinants in this process, such as: a fall in the profitability of the domestic market, a shrinking of the Spanish market, imminent danger of the acquisition of Spanish companies in the local market due to trade and financial openness. We conclude that this process was not fortuitous. There was a clear perception by the government that this process would not only be relevant but also necessary for the entrance of Spain in the international economic and geo-political set.