Hanjin Steel Pipe leads Korea’s manufacturing evolution with unmatched flexibility, innovation and structural steel pipe expertise.

Article - December 19, 2025

By Daniel de Bomford

Amid global construction stagnation, rising protectionism and intensifying price competition, Korean manufacturers are adjusting their strategies and staying ahead of the changing tides.

Hanjin Steel Pipe, Korea’s first structural steel pipe producer, founded in 1980, has emerged as one of the rare companies that turn these challenges into opportunities to strengthen its leadership at home while expanding its presence worldwide.

“Our production flexibility is key,” Hyeong Seog Lee, President of Hanjin Steel Pipe says. “While most competitors operate three to five production lines, our 11-line system allows us to efficiently switch between different product types and volumes.”

The company produces 20,000 tons monthly, specializing in pipe sizes and specifications that larger players often avoid due to inefficiency. This versatility allows Hanjin to respond quickly to Korea’s unpredictable construction timelines and serve a diverse range of customer needs, contributing to its 20 to 25 percent share of the domestic structural steel pipe market.

President Hyeong Seog Lee of Hanjin Steel Pipe

Hanjin Steel Pipe has become a reliable supplier in the growing global solar market, producing torque beams and other components for tracker systems. Its flexible production and skill in high-precision structural pipes have helped EPC firms build durable solar projects. Even with pressure from low-cost competitors and broader economic challenges, the company continues to draw international interest.

Furthering its long-term strategy to move beyond commodity products and strengthen its position in high-value materials, the company has made significant investment in new production lines dedicated to hollow rebar. “Hollow pipes and hollow rebars are designed for very specific use cases and offer superior performance in areas like soil stabilization and infrastructure,” Lee says.

As it approaches its 50^th anniversary, Hanjin Steel Pipe’s ambition is clear: grow to 400 billion KRW in revenue and solidify its exports and production baseline. “We will continue to invest in systems, equipment and human capital to widen the gap between us and our competitors.”