Supplier Discovery & Verification
Enabling U.S. companies to secure, validate,
and engage reliable Korean manufacturers.
Overview
Korea remains one of the most competitive manufacturing hubs for precision machining, specialty steel, automotive components, and industrial materials.
However, identifying the right supplier, verifying production capability, and managing communication can be time-consuming and costly for U.S. firms.
GI provides a structured, hands-on approach to discovering, evaluating, and engaging Korean manufacturers, ensuring that U.S. companies connect only with suppliers that meet their technical, quality, and delivery standards
Deliverables
You will receive a complete supplier identification
and verification package, including:
01 Market & Supplier Landscape Overview
- Industry mapping
- Korea-specific supply chain structure
- Key players & competitive positioning
02 Longlist Generation (10-20 suppliers)
- Capability-based selection
- Certification & quality assessment
- Initial feasibility review
03 Shortlist Verification (3-5 suppliers)
- Capacity, equipment, workforce
- Material sourcing & cost structure
- Quality system review
- Reference checks (if available)
04 Outreach & Meeting Coordination
- Korean-language technical communication
- Sample request support
- Virtual or in-person meetings
- Trade show appointment scheduling (optional)
05 Evidence Package
- Supplier profiles
- Capability sheets
- Meeting notes
- Photo/video verification (if provided)
Available as an add-on service
Factory Audit
Additional assurance steps that can be performed after initial supplier discussions
and early-stage alignment, depending on buyer requirements.
Light Factory Audit
(Early On-Site Review)
A practical on-site review of production flow, key equipment readiness, QC documentation, storage/packaging processes, and overall operational discipline. Conducted by GI or trusted Korea-based partners to validate whether the supplier is genuinely prepared for sample production and early-stage orders.
Full Factory Audit Coordination
(Third-Party Accredited Audit)
Coordination of formal audits performed by SGS, Intertek, or certified Korean auditors. GI manages audit scope definition, checklist alignment, pre-audit documentation preparation, supplier coaching, scheduling, on-site interpretation, and post-audit corrective action follow-up.
Benefits
GI’s structured supplier discovery program helps U.S. companies:
Reduce sourcing time and supplier risk
Avoid communication and cultural misalignment
Validate manufacturing capabilities before engagement
Enter the Korean supply base with clear visibility
Secure competitive pricing and stable long-term partners
Process
The workflow follows a predictable and transparent sequence:
STEP 1
Requirements Assessment
Technical specs, target pricing, volume, certifications, materials.
STEP 2
Longlist Creation & Validation
Supplier mapping + capability filtering.
STEP 3
Shortlist Verification
Deep-dive verification (documents, equipment, QA system)
STEP 4
Outreach & Meeting Coordination
Korean-language communication, scheduling, follow-ups.
STEP 5
Final Report & Recommendations
Comparison matrix + shortlist + suggested next actions.
FAQ
Q Do you provide factory audits during the discovery process?
A Factory audits are not part of the standard early-stage discovery process. They are normally conducted only after initial discussions confirm technical alignment and supplier commitment. However, if a buyer requires an early audit, for example before engaging in deeper communication, GI can arrange a Light Factory Audit or coordinate a full third-party accredited audit upon request.
Q Do suppliers pay any fee to participate?
A No. GI represents the U.S. buyer and maintains independence throughout the evaluation.
Q How long does the full process take?
A Typically 6-12 weeks depending on complexity, industry, verification depth and supplier responsiveness.
Contact Us
Ready to find your Korean supply partner?
