Table Of Content
How to Buy Samsung Stock
Buying shares of Samsung — the South Korean tech giant behind popular products like Galaxy smartphones and semiconductors — is straightforward for U.S. investors using brokerages that support international stocks or ADRs (American Depositary Receipts).
Whether you're a tech-focused investor or looking to diversify globally, here’s how to get started:
1. Choose a Brokerage That Offers Foreign Stocks or ADRs
Samsung Electronics is listed on the Korea Exchange under the ticker 005930.KS, but U.S. investors typically access the stock through Samsung’s GDRs (Global Depositary Receipts) or Korean ETFs that hold the company.
While Samsung doesn't have a U.S.-listed ADR like some global firms, platforms like Interactive Brokers, Charles Schwab, or Fidelity offer access to the Korean listing or funds that include Samsung as a top holding.
For example, Interactive Brokers allows U.S. investors to purchase shares directly on the Korean Exchange, provided you enable international trading.
Alternatively, ETFs such as iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) can give you exposure to Samsung, which is often its largest holding.
Broker | Annual Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|
E-Trade | 0% – 0.35%
0% on stocks and ETFs in self directed brokrage, 0.35% for Core Portfolio Robo Advisor
| Options & Futures Trading |
Interactive Brokers | 0% – 0.75%
$0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks and ETFs, Options: $0.15 – $0.65 per-contract, Futures: $0.25 – $0.85 per-contract. For Interactive Advisors: asset-based management fees of 0.10% to 0.75% | Professional Trading Tools |
Fidelity | 0% – 1.04%
Fidelity Go® Robo advisor: $0: under $25,000, 0.35%/yr: $25,000 and above
Fidelity® Wealth Management dedicated advisor: 0.50%–1.50%
Fidelity Private Wealth Management® advisor-led team: 0.20%–1.04%
| Retirement Account Investing |
Vanguard | Up to 0.30%
$0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks, mutual funds and ETFs, options: $0.65 per-contract, Vanguard Digital Advisor – 0.015%, Vanguard Personal Advisor: 0.03%, Vanguard Personal Advisor Select: up to 0.03%, Vanguard Wealth Management: up to 0.03% | Low-Cost ETF Investors |
J.P. Morgan Self Investing | $0
$0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks and ETFs and $0.65 per-contract | Chase Bank Customers |
Charles Schwab | Up to 0.80%
$0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks, mutual funds and ETFs, options: $0.65 per-contract, Schwab Intelligent Portfolio – 0%, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium – One-time planning fee: $300 + Monthly advisory fee: $30, Schwab Wealth Advisory: up to 0.80% | Advanced Trading Tools |
Merrill Edge | 0.45% – 0.85%
0.45% for Merrill Robo Advisor (Guided Investing), 0.85% for Investing With An Advisor | Bank of America Clients |
2. Create and Fund Your Brokerage Account
Once you’ve selected a broker that supports international trading or South Korean markets, set up your account by completing identity verification (typically using your Social Security number and income/employment info).
Next, connect your bank account and deposit funds. Keep in mind that:
If you buy GDRs or shares on the Korean Exchange, prices are listed in South Korean won (KRW).
If you're buying via an ETF like EWY, it's traded in U.S. dollars, simplifying the process.
You can also use fractional investing on platforms like Fidelity to allocate a specific amount — even if you can't afford a full share of an ETF or Samsung stock.
3. Research Samsung’s Business and Financials
Before buying, it’s smart to understand the fundamentals behind Samsung’s stock.
The company is more than just smartphones — it’s a leader in global semiconductors, display panels, and consumer electronics.
Some key research areas include:
Semiconductor segment: Samsung is a top memory chipmaker and a key player in AI-related chip development.
Smartphone competition: Galaxy phones compete directly with Apple, especially in markets like Asia and Europe.
Financial performance: Check Samsung’s revenue trends, profit margins, and capital expenditures via sites like Yahoo Finance or Morningstar.
Macroeconomic factors: Currency fluctuations, Korean regulatory changes, and global chip demand can all affect the stock.
If you're bullish on semiconductors and tech innovation from Asia, Samsung offers compelling long-term potential.
4. Place a Buy Order
Once you've done your research, log into your brokerage and search for one of the following:
005930.KS (if buying directly on the Korea Exchange)
Samsung GDR (on platforms that support them)
EWY ETF (if going the ETF route)
Then choose your order type:
Market order: Executes the trade immediately at the current price.
Limit order: Sets a maximum price you’re willing to pay.
Recurring order: Allows for automated investing at regular intervals.
Let’s say you’re investing through EWY and want to buy $1,000 worth — you can set a one-time or recurring purchase, and some brokers let you reinvest dividends automatically.
How to Invest in Samsung Indirectly
If buying Samsung stock directly feels too complex, here are alternative ways to gain exposure:
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Invest in ETFs That Hold Samsung
Samsung is one of South Korea’s most valuable companies and appears in several international and tech-focused ETFs. These are great for broad exposure:
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) – Samsung typically makes up 20–25% of the fund.
Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) – Another South Korea-specific fund with strong Samsung weighting.
iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) – Broader exposure to top Asian companies, including Samsung, Tencent, and Taiwan Semiconductor.
ETFs offer diversification while still benefiting from Samsung’s performance.
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Invest in Tech Mutual Funds or Managed Portfolios
Some mutual funds and robo-advisors include Samsung through emerging market or international strategies.
For example:
Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund (VEMAX) – Samsung is often a top holding among its hundreds of emerging-market stocks.
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios – May allocate part of your portfolio to international equity ETFs that include Samsung depending on your risk profile.
This route is ideal for hands-off investors who want global tech exposure without picking individual stocks.
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Invest in Samsung’s Competitors
If you’d rather not invest directly in Samsung, consider some of its top global competitors:
Apple (AAPL) – Samsung’s main rival in smartphones and tablets, known for its premium ecosystem and strong brand loyalty.
TSMC (TSM) – A semiconductor giant competing with Samsung’s chip division, manufacturing advanced chips for Apple and Nvidia.
Sony (SONY) – Competes in TVs, camera sensors, and consumer tech, with added strength in gaming and entertainment.
LG Electronics (LGEAF) – Another Korean company that rivals Samsung in TVs and appliances.
These companies offer different ways to tap into similar global tech trends.
FAQ
No, Samsung doesn’t have a direct U.S.-listed stock. U.S. investors typically access it via international brokerages or ETFs that include Samsung as a major holding.
Samsung Group is a massive conglomerate with many subsidiaries, while Samsung Electronics is its largest and most well-known company. Most investors are referring to Samsung Electronics when they talk about buying Samsung stock.
Yes, Samsung is one of the world’s largest memory chip producers, so fluctuations in chip demand and pricing have a direct impact on its stock performance.
Yes, but only if your brokerage allows international stock purchases or offers ETFs with Samsung exposure. It’s important to confirm that your IRA provider supports these investment types.
Yes, Samsung Electronics pays a dividend, though the yield varies and is influenced by company profits and currency exchange rates. U.S. investors receiving dividends may be subject to foreign tax withholding.
It can be. If you buy shares directly on the Korean Exchange, you’ll be exposed to South Korean won exchange rate fluctuations unless you hedge the currency.
Samsung does not currently offer ADRs on U.S. exchanges. Investors seeking access typically use Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) or ETFs.
GDRs represent shares of Samsung held by a bank and traded on foreign exchanges, like the London Stock Exchange. They allow international investors to gain exposure without dealing directly in Korean won.
Most mobile-first platforms like Robinhood don’t support Korean stocks or GDRs. You’ll need a more robust broker like Fidelity or Interactive Brokers for access.
Samsung operates in semiconductors, mobile devices, consumer electronics, displays, and home appliances. This broad exposure makes it a diversified tech investment.
