Seoul: Samsung Electronics Co. ranked as South Korea's most valuable brand this year, according to a report released by Interbrand on Thursday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the global brand consultancy's Best Korea Brands 2026 report estimated Samsung's brand value at 113.26 trillion won (US$74.1 billion), which reflects a decrease of 7.4 percent from the previous year. Despite the decline, Samsung maintained its leading position among the country's 50 most valuable brands.

Interbrand assesses brand value through a detailed analysis that includes a company's financial performance, the impact of its brand on consumer purchasing decisions, and its overall brand competitiveness.

For the first time, chipmaker SK hynix entered the top 10, advancing four positions to ninth place from 13th the previous year. Its brand value increased by 34.8 percent year-on-year, reaching 3.23 trillion won.

Hyundai Motor Co., South Korea's leading automaker, secured the second spot with a brand value of 30.75 trillion won, marking a growth of 10.1 percent compared to the previous year. Its smaller affiliate, Kia, ranked third with a brand value of 10.68 trillion won. LG Electronics Co. followed in fourth place with a brand value of 8.6 trillion won, while portal giant Naver Corp. came in fifth with a brand value of 8.24 trillion won.