Hankook tires are made by Hankook Tire and Technology Co., Ltd., an independent South Korean tire manufacturer that is not owned by any foreign company.
Hankook is known for supplying original equipment tires to major automakers and for offering strong performance at prices below premium European brands.
Hankook Tire and Technology is publicly traded on the Korea Exchange and operated under holding company Hankook and Company, with global headquarters in Seongnam, South Korea.
Knowing that Hankook remains an independent Korean company helps drivers understand why the brand competes so closely with the industry’s largest names.
This guide covers who owns Hankook, where its tires are manufactured, the company’s history, and how Hankook compares to Toyo in the performance tire market.
So let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Hankook tires are made by Hankook Tire and Technology Co., Ltd., an independent South Korean manufacturer founded in 1941. The company operates eight factories across South Korea, China, Hungary, Indonesia, and the United States, and it also owns the budget focused Laufenn brand.
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Who Makes Hankook Tires and Who Owns the Company?
Hankook Tire and Technology Co., Ltd. designs and manufactures every tire sold under the Hankook name, with current products listed on the Hankook Tire USA official website.
The company is publicly traded on the Korea Exchange and operates under holding company Hankook and Company.
Unlike several competitors that have been acquired by outside investors, Hankook remains an independently controlled South Korean company.
Hankook also owns Laufenn, a second global brand launched in 2014 to serve budget conscious drivers.
Where Are Hankook Tires Manufactured?
Hankook operates eight manufacturing facilities worldwide, including two plants in South Korea located in Daejeon and Geumsan.
The company also runs factories in China, Hungary, and Indonesia, a global footprint detailed on Wikipedia’s Hankook entry.
For the North American market, Hankook operates a plant in Clarksville, Tennessee that opened in 2017.
This global production network allows Hankook to ship tires to more than 160 countries each year.
What Is the History Behind Hankook Tire?
Hankook was founded in Seoul in 1941 under the original name Chosun Tire Company.
The company developed Korea’s first radial passenger tire in 1974, a milestone that pushed it toward international expansion.
Hankook opened its first US sales branch in 1981 and later built manufacturing plants in Indonesia, China, and Tennessee.
In 2019 the company renamed itself Hankook Tire and Technology Co., Ltd. to reflect its growing research and development focus.
How Does Hankook Compare to Toyo Tires?
Hankook and Toyo both compete in the mid to premium tire segment and supply original equipment tires to major automakers.
Hankook has a larger global manufacturing footprint, with eight plants spread across four continents.
Toyo tends to focus more heavily on off road and light truck performance, while Hankook spreads its lineup more evenly across passenger, performance, and electric vehicle tires.
Both brands are frequently cross shopped by drivers seeking near premium performance without the price of Michelin or Bridgestone.
Are Hankook Tires Good Quality?
Hankook supplies original equipment tires to automakers including BMW, Audi, Porsche, and Tesla, which reflects strong manufacturing standards.
The brand invests heavily in research and development at its Hankook Technodome facility in Daejeon, South Korea.
Independent reviewers generally rate Hankook’s premium lines, such as Ventus and iON, competitively against established European brands.
Overall, Hankook is considered a strong choice for drivers who want performance close to premium tires without paying the full premium price.
Where Can You Buy Hankook Tires?
Hankook tires are sold through major retailers, independent tire shops, and as original equipment on many new vehicles.
The Hankook Tire USA website includes a store locator to find authorized dealers nearby.
Online tire retailers also carry the full Hankook lineup with delivery to a local installer.
Shoppers comparing global tire makers may also want to read Where Are Toyo Tires Made and Where Are Continental Tires Made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hankook Tires
Is Hankook a Chinese company?
No, Hankook is an independent South Korean company that is not owned by any foreign corporation.
Are Hankook tires made in the USA?
Yes, Hankook operates a manufacturing plant in Clarksville, Tennessee that opened in 2017.
Does Hankook own Laufenn?
Yes, Laufenn is Hankook’s second global brand, launched in 2014 to serve budget minded drivers.
Are Hankook tires a good brand?
Yes, Hankook is a well regarded global brand that supplies original equipment tires to several premium automakers.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.