Who Makes Kumho Tires

Kumho tires are made by Kumho Tire Co., Inc., a South Korean tire manufacturer that is majority owned by China’s Doublestar Group.

Kumho is known for offering strong performance and value pricing on passenger, SUV, light truck, and commercial tires.

Doublestar Group, a Chinese tire manufacturer founded in 1921, acquired a controlling 45 percent stake in Kumho Tire in 2018, though Kumho still runs its own factories and research centers from Gwangju, South Korea.

Understanding this ownership structure helps drivers separate where a Kumho tire is engineered from who holds a financial stake in the company.

This guide covers who owns Kumho, where Kumho tires are manufactured, the brand’s history, and how Kumho compares to Nexen in the value tire segment.

So let’s get started.

Quick Answer: Kumho tires are made by Kumho Tire Co., Inc., a South Korean manufacturer founded in 1960. China’s Doublestar Group has held a controlling 45 percent stake since 2018, but Kumho continues to design and build its own tires at plants in South Korea, China, Vietnam, and the United States.

Who Makes Kumho Tires and Who Owns the Company?

Kumho Tire Co., Inc. designs and manufactures every tire sold under the Kumho name, and current lineups are listed on the Kumho Tire USA official website.

The company was founded in 1960 in South Korea under the original name Samyang Tire.

In 2018, China’s Doublestar Group acquired a controlling 45 percent stake in Kumho Tire through a subsidiary called Xingwei Korea.

Despite the change in controlling ownership, Kumho remains headquartered in South Korea and continues to operate as a publicly traded company on the Korea Exchange.

Where Are Kumho Tires Manufactured?

Kumho operates three tire plants in South Korea, including facilities in Gwangju and Gokseong.

The company also runs manufacturing plants in China and Vietnam to serve growing regional demand, a global footprint documented on Wikipedia’s Kumho Tire page.

For the North American market, Kumho operates a dedicated factory in Macon, Georgia that opened in 2016.

This mix of Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and American production allows Kumho to supply tires to more than 180 countries.

What Is the History Behind the Kumho Tire Brand?

Kumho was founded in 1960 by Park In-chon, who had already built a successful transportation business before entering tire manufacturing.

The company’s first factory opened in Yangdong, Gwangju, and quickly earned a reputation for durable, affordable tires.

Kumho expanded internationally through the 1990s, opening plants in China, Vietnam, and eventually the United States.

The brand was spun off from the broader Kumho Asiana Group as an independent tire company in 2003.

How Does Kumho Compare to Nexen Tires?

Kumho and Nexen are both South Korean tire manufacturers that compete heavily in the value and mid tier segments in the United States.

Kumho tends to have a broader global manufacturing footprint, with plants across four countries compared to Nexen’s smaller network.

Nexen has built a strong reputation for ultra high performance touring tires, while Kumho spreads its lineup more evenly across passenger, SUV, and commercial categories.

Both brands are commonly cross shopped by drivers looking for performance close to premium tires at a lower price point.

Are Kumho Tires Good Quality?

Kumho tires have earned recognition in independent European testing, including top summer tire ratings from ADAC and Auto Bild in 2024.

The brand has also topped South Korea’s Customer Satisfaction Index in the passenger tire category for twenty consecutive years.

Kumho serves as an original equipment supplier for several automakers, which reflects confidence in its manufacturing consistency.

For most everyday drivers, Kumho offers a solid balance of performance, comfort, and price.

Where Can You Buy Kumho Tires?

Kumho tires are widely available at major retailers including Discount Tire and Tire Rack, along with independent tire shops.

The Kumho Tire USA website includes a dealer locator to help drivers find authorized sellers in their area.

Online tire retailers also carry the full Kumho lineup with delivery to a local installer.

Shoppers comparing Korean value brands may also want to read Who Makes Nexen Tires and Where Are Michelin Tires Made for a premium comparison point.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kumho Tires

Is Kumho a Chinese company?

Kumho is South Korean by origin and headquarters, though China’s Doublestar Group has held a controlling stake since 2018.

Are Kumho tires made in the USA?

Some Kumho tires are manufactured at the company’s Macon, Georgia plant, which opened in 2016 for the North American market.

Who founded Kumho Tire?

Kumho Tire was founded in 1960 by Park In-chon under the original name Samyang Tire.

Are Kumho tires a good brand?

Yes, Kumho is considered a solid mid tier brand with strong independent test results and long standing OE partnerships.