Members of a group representing Korean business people in Luzon have invested billions of pesos in the businesses that they operate in the region. In the province of Pampanga, 90% of the amount has been invested. More than 300 business establishment in the region are established and operated by the members of the Korean Community Association Central Luzon Inc. (KCACLI).
Two of the most prominent Korean-owned companies in Central Luzon are both based in this free port, according to KCACLI President Kim Ki-Young.“The majority of the 300 companies are Korean restaurants and stores. We employ more than 5,000 local workers,” Kim said. He also said that there are between 15,000 to 20,000 Koreans in Central Luzon at any given time, where mostly are based in Angeles City and other towns and cities in Pampanga.
Near the Friendship Gate of Clark is the Friendship Highway in Angeles City is full of Korean shops and restaurants. Kim said that with their huge investments, they appeal for a peaceful and productive coexistence with their host communities, citing the murder of a Korean hotel owner in Angeles City and alleged extortions and robberies on Korean businessmen and tourists.
