The Hankook tyre brand originated in 1941 under the name “Chosun Tire Company” before being renamed “Hankook Tire Manufacturing” in 1968. The term “Hankook” literally means “Korea,” while “Chosun” evokes a beautiful morning.
Today, this company supplies original equipment tyres to various car manufacturers. Producing around 102 million tyres a year, Hankook does not limit itself to this single activity and also offers batteries, alloy rims, and brake pads.
In 2011, Hankook Tire Co. announced a USD 1.1 billion investment for the construction of a plant in West Java, Indonesia, as part of a plan to become the 5th largest tyre manufacturer in the world. In June of the same year, a ground-breaking ceremony took place on a 60-hectare site intended to become a regional production centre for exports to Asia, North America, and the Middle East.
In October 2013, the company announced its intention to open a new plant in Clarksville, Tennessee, which eventually opened in October 2017.
In November 2014, Hankook launched its second brand, Laufenn. Then, in January 2025, the company announced the launch of its sub-brand, Optimo, in Europe. This latest addition complements Hankook’s existing premium and affiliated brands focused on passenger car tyres.
Hankook Tire has developed its production, R&D, sales, marketing, and communication networks worldwide to offer unparalleled products and services tailored to the specific needs of each region. The brand is committed to providing complete satisfaction close to its customers.
The Hankook tyre brand remains dedicated to developing technologies and innovating in terms of quality to shape the future mobility landscape through the power of its one-of-a-kind Hankook Innovative Performance (HIP) system. Hankook Tire brings to life top-tier technologies and a quality-driven competitive edge that are universally recognised for upholding the highest standards of customer satisfaction.
Hankook Tire offers the following four global tyre brands: ‘Hankook,’ a leading premium brand for domestic and international markets, ‘Laufenn,’ a global brand that appeals worldwide, and ‘Optimo,’ ‘Kingstar,’ brands adapted to the specific needs of each region, thereby providing the ultimate driving experience to its customers.
With its technological leadership, Hankook Tire continues to initiate radical changes in the future mobility landscape for electric vehicles, green vehicles, and digital technology, achieving a steady increase in tyre supply for new vehicles from major car manufacturers around the world. The company is well on its way to strengthening trust with global premium carmakers through enhanced communication and cooperation to maintain mutual growth.
