Linklaters has relocated two Hong Kong partners to launch its office in Seoul this week after being granted approval from the Ministry of Justice to open in Korea earlier this month.

New York-qualified corporate partner Hyung Ahn, who has been heading the Korean practice from the magic circle firm's Hong Kong base, will now be based in Seoul alongside English-qualified projects partner Stephen Le Vesconte, who has also relocated from Hong Kong.

The two partners are joined by a team of two internationally-qualified lawyers, corporate counsel Kyungseok Kim and senior consultant and finance expert Hyo Young Kang, and will be supported by a strong team of Korean-speaking associates in Seoul and Hong Kong.

Linklaters was the fourth UK outfit to receive approval to launch in Seoul at the beginning of May; the other British firms with bases in the South Korean capital including Herbert Smith Freehills, DLA Piper and Clifford Chance.

The new office is located in Center One, Jung-gu, in the city's central business district, and is expected to focus on corporate, finance and projects work.

Commenting on the office launch Stuart Salt, Linklaters' managing partner for Asia Pacific, said: "We are delighted to have been granted approval to open in Seoul and are grateful to the Ministry of Justice and the KBA for their assistance throughout the process.

"The opening of Linklaters' Seoul office underlines the firm's strategy of extending our coverage to better meet the needs of our clients. We look forward to building on our 30-plus years of experience advising leading Korean corporations and financial institutions."

The liberalisation of South Korea's legal market followed the ratification of a free trade agreement with Europe in February 2011.

There are now a total number of 18 foreign law firms legally permitted to work in the North Asian city, with more firms expected to be granted approval in due course.