Youngone

What Youngone does

Youngone Corporation (영원무역) is a South Korea–headquartered, publicly listed (KRX: 111770) global manufacturer of premium outdoor apparel, sportswear, footwear, and accessories, founded in 1974 by Chairman & CEO Kihak Sung. The company operates one of the world's largest vertically integrated OEM manufacturing networks, employing more than 90,000 people across 17 markets, with production facilities in Bangladesh, Vietnam, El Salvador, Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, India, and China serving approximately 40 international outdoor and sportswear brand customers across 6,800+ product types. Its anchor asset, the KEPZ (Korean Export Processing Zone) in Chittagong, Bangladesh, spans approximately 2,492 acres (~3 million pyeong) and is an eco-friendly industrial complex with 43MWp of solar generation (61% of zone electricity) and 52% green space, supporting the company's cost-advantaged manufacturing base.

Youngone makes money through a hybrid B2B/B2C model. The dominant revenue stream is OEM contract manufacturing of woven/knit apparel, footwear, and accessories for ~40 international brands; a second stream is raw material supply (textiles, knit, fillings) into its own and external production. Downstream, the company operates The North Face brand in South Korea exclusively via a 1992 joint venture with Japan's Goldwin (subsidiary Youngone Outdoor), with a flagship megastore at Jamsil Lotte World Mall opened in May 2026. It also controls 96.71% of Swiss premium bicycle and ski brand Scott Sports (acquired progressively 2013–2025), and holds minority/strategic stakes in Outdoor Research LLC, French skiwear brand Poivre Blanc, and New Zealand merino-wool fabric supplier Designer Textiles International. A $65M Singapore-based corporate venture capital fund (YIA, est. 2019/2022) backs ecosystem investments.

In FY2025, Youngone Holdings reported consolidated revenue of 4.89 trillion KRW (+13.7% YoY) and operating profit of 735.2 billion KRW (+42.2% YoY), with a 65% dividend payout ratio. The company is led by founder-Chairman Kihak Sung, with Vice Chairman Rae Eun Sung overseeing operations and the YLDP leadership pipeline (277 graduates since 2016). Distribution is global (14 production countries + overseas offices in Taipei, Seattle, Boulder, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Bern), with KEPZ serving as the structural cost anchor and India emerging as the next geography for scaled expansion.

Name

Youngone

Legal name

YOUNGONE CORPORATION

Website

https://youngone.co.kr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Youngone Corporation is a South Korean public OEM manufacturer of outdoor apparel, footwear, and accessories for ~40 international brands across 14 production countries, while also operating The North Face Korea retail (via Goldwin JV) and owning 96.71% of Swiss cycling brand Scott Sports.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Apparel Manufacturing

NAICS

Apparel Manufacturing (315), Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (3159), Footwear Manufacturing (3162), Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing (33992)

SIC

Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300), Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949), Footwear, (No Rubber) (3140), Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751)

akta.pro primary industry

Outerwear & Cold-Weather Apparel Manufacturers (CRAAAAAI)

Keywords

• Outdoor apparel manufacturing
• OEM sportswear production
• Footwear and accessories
• Vertically integrated textiles
• Garment export manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Seoul

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices22 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. OEM Manufacturing: Manufacturing outdoor apparel, sportswear, footwear, and accessories for international brands including approximately 40 major outdoor and sportswear buyers. Products include clothing (woven and knit), shoes, and accessories. Production conducted in Bangladesh, Vietnam, El Salvador, Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, and India.
2. The North Face Brand Distribution (Korea): Joint venture with Goldwin (Japan) to license and sell The North Face products in South Korea through Youngone Outdoor subsidiary. Operates retail stores and megastores including locations at Lotte World Mall in Seoul.
3. Scott Sports: Youngone holds 96.71% stake in Swiss bicycle company Scott Corporation (Scott Sports). Produces bicycles and ski equipment globally.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Youngone manufactures outdoor apparel, sportswear, footwear, and accessories as an OEM producer for approximately 40 international outdoor and sports brands, with vertically integrated operations spanning weaving, dyeing, finishing, cutting, sewing, and packaging. It also distributes The North Face brand in South Korea through a joint venture with Goldwin, and owns 96.71% of Swiss bicycle and ski equipment maker Scott Sports. Manufacturing facilities are located across Bangladesh, Vietnam, El Salvador, Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, India, and China.

Product overview

Youngone operates as a diversified outdoor apparel and sportswear manufacturer with three main business pillars: (1) OEM Manufacturing producing clothing, footwear, and accessories for approximately 40 international outdoor brands; (2) Retail Operations including the licensed The North Face brand in Korea via Goldwin Korea joint venture and own-brand YOUNGONE outdoor apparel for domestic market; (3) Strategic Investments in outdoor brands including 96.71% ownership of Swiss bicycle maker Scott Sports, stakes in Outdoor Research LLC, and ownership of Designer Textiles International (merino wool fabrics). The company also operates KEPZ, a major eco-friendly industrial complex in Bangladesh, and maintains global manufacturing presence across 8 countries. The company employs over 90,000 people across 17 markets with annual revenues exceeding $3 billion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The North Face: Premium outdoor apparel brand distributed by Youngone Outdoor in South Korea, featuring technical Summit Series line and White Label exclusive collection.
• KEPZ Trust Hospital
• Youngone Leadership Development Program (YLDP)

Products and services

• OEM Outdoor Apparel and Footwear Manufacturing Contract manufacturing of premium outdoor clothing (woven and knit), sports shoes, and accessories for approximately 40 international outdoor and sportswear brands, executed across production facilities in Bangladesh, Vietnam, El Salvador, Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, India, and China.
• Raw Materials (Textiles, Knits, Fillings) In-house production of textiles, knit fabrics, and insulation fillings that feed Youngone's vertically integrated manufacturing operations across global facilities.
• The North Face Korea Retail Licensed distribution and retail of The North Face premium outdoor apparel and footwear in South Korea, operated by Youngone Outdoor (formerly Goldwin Korea) under a joint venture with Goldwin, including flagship megastores such as the Jamsil Lotte World Mall location.
• YOUNGONE Brand Outdoor Apparel Youngone's own consumer outdoor apparel brand sold in the Korean domestic market, representing the group's branded retail offering independent of The North Face licensing.
• Scott Sports Bicycles and Ski Equipment Premium bicycles, mountain bikes, and ski equipment sold globally under the Scott brand through Swiss subsidiary Scott Corporation SA, in which Youngone holds a 96.71% ownership stake.
• Designer Textiles Merino Wool Fabrics Premium merino wool fabric manufacturing by New Zealand-based Designer Textiles International, supplying high-end performance materials for outdoor apparel production.

Quantifiable outcome

• Annual revenues exceeding $3 billion with operations in 17 markets
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Scott Corporation SA (Scott Sports)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2025Youngone increased its ownership stake in Swiss bicycle company Scott Corp. to 96.71% by purchasing shares from Beat Zaugg, the second-largest shareholder. The purchase was confirmed by an ICC arbitration award with a valuation of approximately $24 million (35.34 billion won). Youngone first acquired 20% stake in 2013 and 30.01% additional stake in January 2015 for 154.5 billion won, gaining majority control. The company produces bicycles and ski equipment globally under the Scott brand.
• Goldwin (Japan)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerYoungone established a joint venture with Goldwin in 1992 (as (주)골드윈코리아, later renamed (주)영원아웃도어) to license and sell The North Face products in South Korea. This partnership is the foundation of Youngone's domestic brand distribution business.
• Beat ZauggminorOthersFormer second-largest shareholder of Scott Corporation SA whose shares were acquired by Youngone through ICC arbitration ruling requiring Zaugg to sell his shares for up to 35.34 billion won.
• World VisioncoreOthersYoungone Group has partnered with World Vision since 1993, with cumulative donations exceeding $100 million. The partnership has supported more than 1 million people across over 20 countries through disaster and crisis relief in Haiti, Japan, Ukraine, and Bangladesh. World Vision installed a 'Global Philanthropy Wall' commemorating Youngone as the first donor to receive this honor.
• Scott Corporation SAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture established in 2011 to create (주)스캇노스아시아 (Scott Sports Asia). Youngone acquired 50.01% stake for 154.5 billion won (approximately $138 million), gaining controlling interest in the Swiss premium bicycle and ski equipment manufacturer.
• Designer Textiles International Ltd.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Zealand-based merino wool fabric manufacturer acquired by Youngone in 2010, providing premium fabric supply capabilities for performance outdoor apparel.
• Outdoor Research LLCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUS outdoor equipment and accessories company in which Youngone acquired a stake in 2014. Part of Youngone's portfolio of outdoor and sports-related brand investments.
• Poivre Blanc (France)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench women's outdoor skiwear brand in which Youngone holds an investment stake, as part of its European outdoor brand portfolio.
• Korean Fashion Business Society (한국패션비즈니스학회)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYoungone Holdings co-hosts the FABI (Fashion Art Business International) Fashion Exhibition with the Korean Fashion Business Society. The exhibition showcases upcycling fashion and sustainable fashion practices, demonstrating commitment to ESG values through fashion industry collaboration.
• World VisioncoreOthersLong-term philanthropy partnership since 1993, supporting disaster relief and vulnerable populations globally. Youngone is the first donor to receive World Vision's 'Global Philanthropy Wall' recognition.
• Yonsei Medical Group (연세의료원)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYoungone is collaborating with Yonsei Medical Group since 2024 on the 'KEPZ Medical Complex' project, which includes a 100-bed KEPZ Trust Hospital, nursing university, and plans for a 400-bed general hospital and medical school.
• VisionSpringminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNGO partnered with Youngone to provide vision screening and glasses distribution to KEPZ employees. Total of 12,300 employees received glasses through this program, with approximately 78,000 vision screenings conducted since 2019.

Scale indicators23 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Eclat Textile Co., Ltd. Taiwan-based premium athletic apparel and knitwear OEM serving Nike, Lululemon, Under Armour, and other performance brands. Directly comparable to Youngone in OEM production of premium outdoor and performance apparel with vertically integrated knitting.
• Makalot Industrial Co., Ltd. Taiwan-based apparel OEM specializing in outdoor, performance, and athleisure garments for brands including Patagonia, The North Face, and Columbia. Most directly comparable to Youngone in outdoor and sportswear OEM specialization.
• Pou Chen Corporation: Taiwan-based world's largest branded athletic and casual footwear OEM, manufacturing for Nike, Adidas, Asics and others. Directly comparable to Youngone as a large-scale Asian OEM serving global outdoor/sportswear brands across footwear and apparel.
• Shenzhou International Group: Largest knitwear OEM in China and one of the world's biggest apparel manufacturers, producing for Nike, Uniqlo, Adidas and Puma. Closely comparable to Youngone's vertically integrated knit and woven apparel manufacturing for global brands.
• Yue Yuen International: Hong Kong-listed world's largest footwear OEM by volume, producing athletic, casual, and outdoor shoes for Nike, Adidas, Asics, and Timberland. Comparable to Youngone in OEM footwear manufacturing scale, customer base, and Asian production footprint.
• Crystal International Group: Hong Kong-listed apparel OEM producing woven, knit, and denim apparel for global brands including Levi's, Uniqlo, and Target. Comparable to Youngone in scale, geographic manufacturing diversification, and multi-category apparel OEM.
• Esquel Group: Hong Kong-based vertically integrated apparel manufacturer producing premium shirts and outerwear for brands including Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Nike. Comparable to Youngone in vertically integrated manufacturing and premium-brand OEM focus.
• Hirdaramani Group: Sri Lanka-based apparel manufacturer producing for outdoor and sportswear brands. Comparable to Youngone in low-cost South Asian apparel OEM and outdoor/sportswear customer focus.
• Hansae Co., Ltd. Korean apparel OEM producing for global brands including Target, Walmart, and Disney. Comparable to Youngone as a Korean-headquartered apparel OEM serving international brands with manufacturing in Asia.

Broad incumbents

• Toray Industries, Inc. Japan-based global textile, fiber, and materials conglomerate supplying synthetic fabrics and performance materials into the apparel industry. Comparable to Youngone as an upstream/downstream textile industry incumbent with broader scope and significant scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/youngone-corporation

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments3 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Youngone