Can You Buy Samsung Stock? Complete Guide

Can You Buy Samsung Stock?

Yes — can you buy Samsung stock? You can own shares of Samsung Electronics, but the company’s ordinary shares trade primarily on the Korea Exchange (KRX) and Samsung issues Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) on some European exchanges. Samsung does not list American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on major U.S. exchanges, so U.S. investors typically use international brokers, GDRs, or ETFs to gain exposure. This guide explains the practical routes, the share classes and tickers, steps to buy, risks to consider, and alternative ways to get exposure.

This article explains what investors need to know, how to act step-by-step, and where to verify official information — with actionable next steps for readers who want to explore trading Samsung exposure through licensed platforms and Bitget tools.

Summary / Quick answer

Short answer: can you buy Samsung stock? Yes. Main options are:

• Buy Samsung ordinary or preferred shares on the Korea Exchange (KRX) via an international broker that offers KRX access.
• Buy Samsung Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) on London Stock Exchange (LSE) or Luxembourg (where available).
• Gain indirect exposure via ETFs or mutual funds that hold Samsung as a top position.

Each path has trade-offs in liquidity, currency exposure, fees, and settlement mechanics.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is the flagship public company of the Samsung Group and one of the world’s largest technology manufacturers. Its principal businesses include semiconductors (memory and logic chips), mobile devices (smartphones under the Galaxy brand), display panels, consumer electronics, and device components. Investors seek Samsung exposure for its leadership in memory chips and advanced semiconductor manufacturing, its scale in smartphones and displays, and its central role in global tech supply chains.

The semiconductor segment — including DRAM, NAND flash, and foundry/logic investments — is a major driver of Samsung’s revenue and investor interest, especially amid high demand for AI infrastructure and data-center components.

As of Dec 11, 2025, according to Motley Fool coverage of the chip sector, demand for chips continues to be driven by massive AI infrastructure spending and related compute growth. That report noted that companies leading in advanced chip manufacturing and AI-specific hardware design have powerful competitive advantages; the chip sector’s strong demand environment is an important context for why investors ask, "can you buy Samsung stock?"

Share classes, tickers and listings

Samsung Electronics has more than one publicly traded share class. Understanding these share classes and where they trade is essential when answering the question: can you buy Samsung stock?

Korea Exchange (KRX)

• Ordinary (common) shares: ticker 005930 (commonly shown as 005930.KR or 005930.KS depending on data vendor).
• Preferred shares: ticker 005935 (commonly shown as 005935.KR or 005935.KS).

Both share classes are listed on the Korea Exchange. Ordinary shares carry full voting rights; preferred shares often have priority on dividends but limited or no voting rights. The KRX listings trade in Korean won (KRW) and follow local settlement rules and trading calendars.

Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs)

Samsung issues Global Depositary Receipts that can trade on European venues such as the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and Luxembourg. These GDRs represent underlying KRX-listed shares and allow international investors easier access without a direct KRX account. Typical GDR tickers include:

• SMSN — GDR representing Samsung Electronics ordinary (common) shares on LSE.
• SMSEL — GDR representing Samsung Electronics preferred shares (where available).

A GDR is a certificate issued by a depositary bank that represents foreign shares. GDRs trade in the local currency of the exchange (for LSE that is GBP) and settle under that market’s rules while the depositary maintains the underlying shares in custody.

Absence of a U.S. ADR

Samsung Electronics does not maintain American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on major U.S. exchanges. That means there is no ASX-style, NYSE- or NASDAQ-listed ADR for Samsung that U.S. investors can trade as if it were a domestic stock. Because of this, the common ways for U.S. investors to gain Samsung exposure are through international brokers that support KRX or LSE trading, by buying ETFs that include Samsung, or via third-party instruments.

Ways for investors to buy Samsung exposure

Below are the main practical methods for retail and institutional investors who want to know: can you buy Samsung stock, and how?

Buying on the Korea Exchange (direct purchase)

• What it is: Directly purchase 005930 (ordinary) or 005935 (preferred) on KRX.
• How to do it: Open an account with an international broker that explicitly supports KRX access (some global brokers and Korean brokerages accept non-resident accounts). You will usually need to complete KYC paperwork, provide identification, and possibly tax forms required for non-resident investors.
• Currency and settlement: Orders are in KRW; your broker will convert your base currency to KRW. Settlement follows KRX rules (typically T+2 for equity settlement, but check current KRX settlement rules with your broker).
• Costs and operational notes: Expect currency conversion fees, cross-border commissions, and potential custody fees. Some brokers offer direct custody in local depositories; others hold GDR proxies.

Buying GDRs on European exchanges

• What it is: Buy Samsung GDRs (SMSN for common, SMSEL for preferred) on the London Stock Exchange or Luxembourg where they trade.
• How to do it: Use a broker that provides access to the LSE or LuxSE. Some U.S. brokers provide LSE trading via international markets; others require a specific international account.
• Benefits: No need to trade in KRW directly; GDRs trade in GBP/EUR and settle under local rules. Easier for investors who already have LSE access.
• Limits: GDR liquidity can be lower than KRX, and pricing includes GDR spreads and depositary fees embedded in the quote.

Using international brokers/platforms

• Common providers: Large global brokers and some trading apps provide cross-border market access to KRX and LSE. The choice of broker affects which listings you can access, fees, FX spreads, margin terms, and settlement.
• Bitget: For users exploring international access, Bitget offers multi-market tools, custody options like Bitget Wallet, and market information for international stocks and ETFs. Check Bitget’s available market list and trading permissions before placing orders.

Indirect exposure via ETFs or mutual funds

• What it is: Buy ETFs or mutual funds that include Samsung as a top holding (e.g., South Korea country ETFs or global tech/semiconductor ETFs).
• Benefits: Simpler settlement, domestic trading on major exchanges, diversification, and often lower operational friction than direct foreign trading.
• Trade-offs: Exposure to Samsung is diluted by other holdings; ETF performance reflects the whole fund and management fees.
• Examples: South Korea country ETFs frequently include Samsung among the largest weightings. Check ETF holdings disclosure to confirm Samsung weight.

OTC / grey market and other routes

• What it is: Some brokers offer OTC or grey-market trading of foreign shares as proxy instruments.
• Risks: These routes can have lower liquidity, wider spreads, less transparency, and higher counterparty risk. They are generally not recommended for most retail investors seeking straightforward exposure.

Practical steps to buy Samsung stock (concise checklist)

If you decide to pursue direct or indirect Samsung exposure, follow this checklist:

1. Decide your method: direct KRX, GDR on LSE/Lux, or ETF/mutual fund.
2. Open a brokerage account that provides access to the chosen market. Confirm KRX/LSE access and international trade permissions.
3. Complete KYC and non-resident paperwork if required. Some Korean brokerages require extra identification and forms.
4. Fund the account and confirm currency conversion options (KRW for KRX, GBP/EUR for LSE GDRs).
5. Check commissions, FX spreads, custody fees, stamp taxes, and any local transaction taxes.
6. Verify market hours and place orders during local trading sessions to benefit from active liquidity.
7. Monitor settlement rules and custody arrangements; confirm how your broker holds foreign shares or receipts.
8. Understand dividend handling and withholding tax procedures; request tax documentation for your home jurisdiction.

Key considerations and risks

Before answering "can you buy Samsung stock?" with a decision to buy, consider these material risks and operational considerations.

Market and liquidity risks

• KRX liquidity vs. GDR liquidity: Trading volumes, bid-ask spreads, and intraday depth can be very different between the Korea Exchange and European GDR markets. Price impact and execution quality depend on where you trade.
• Sector cyclicality: Samsung’s semiconductor business can be cyclical; memory pricing and seasonality influence revenue and margins.

Currency risk

• Direct shares are priced in KRW; GDRs are priced in the traded currency (GBP/EUR). Currency movements materially affect realized returns when converted back to your base currency.

Regulatory and tax implications

• Non-resident rules: Korea has specific rules for non-resident investors. Some tax and reporting requirements may apply.
• Dividend withholding: Dividends paid by Samsung to non-residents can be subject to Korean withholding tax; GDRs often pass through dividends net of withholding.
• Home-country taxes: You must report foreign dividends and capital gains in your home jurisdiction and may be eligible for foreign tax credits.
• Always consult a licensed tax or legal professional for advice tailored to your circumstances.

Corporate structure and governance

• Share classes: Ordinary vs. preferred share differences (voting rights, dividend preferences) matter for control and corporate actions.
• Governance: Large conglomerate structures and cross-shareholdings in Korea can influence corporate governance dynamics and strategic decisions.

Settlement, custody and fees

• Cross-border settlement: Settlement cycles, custody arrangements, and local depository rules differ from domestic trading and can cause operational complexity.
• Broker fees: International commissions, FX conversion spreads, custody and inactivity fees can materially affect net returns.

Alternatives and complementary strategies

If direct ownership is impractical or undesirable, consider alternatives:

• Sector ETFs: Buy semiconductor or technology ETFs that include Samsung and other major chip makers and suppliers.
• Supplier and competitor stocks: Invest in companies that supply or compete with Samsung (chip equipment, foundries, component suppliers, or international rivals). This can provide targeted exposure to parts of Samsung’s value chain.
• ADRs of other Korean companies: Some large Korean companies have ADR listings in the U.S., offering simpler foreign exposure.
• Options and derivative products: Certain brokers offer derivative exposure to foreign markets, but these have added complexity and risk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can U.S. investors buy Samsung? A: Yes. U.S. investors can often buy Samsung via international brokers that support KRX trading, by purchasing Samsung GDRs on European exchanges (where available), or by investing in ETFs and funds that hold Samsung. Samsung does not have a U.S.-listed ADR, so there is no straightforward ADR route on major U.S. exchanges.

Q: What are Samsung’s tickers? A: On the Korea Exchange: 005930 (common/ordinary) and 005935 (preferred). On London Stock Exchange GDRs: SMSN (common) and SMSEL (preferred) where GDRs are listed.

Q: Do Samsung shares pay dividends? A: Yes. Samsung pays dividends; dividend policy and amounts vary by year. Dividends to non-residents are typically subject to Korean withholding tax; check Samsung’s investor relations and your broker’s dividend handling rules.

Q: Is it safer to buy an ETF instead? A: ETFs offer diversification and typically simpler access than direct foreign share ownership, but they dilute single-stock exposure and add management fees. Whether an ETF is "safer" depends on your objectives, risk tolerance, and the ETF’s composition.

Q: How does corporate governance affect foreign investors in Samsung? A: Share class differences and Korea’s corporate governance norms can affect voting rights and influence over strategic decisions. Preferred shares may have limited voting rights compared to ordinary shares.

Practical examples and numbers (illustrative)

• Market cap and volumes: Samsung Electronics is among the largest semiconductor and electronics companies by market capitalization globally. Market cap and daily trading volumes fluctuate with market conditions; check real-time market data from official exchanges or your broker for current figures.

• Chip sector context: As of Dec 11, 2025, according to Motley Fool reporting, the chip sector’s performance has been driven by strong AI infrastructure spending. Leading chipmakers and equipment suppliers saw record revenues and elevated order books in 2024–2025 as AI and data-center demand pushed capacity expansion. This macro backdrop informs why many investors ask, "can you buy Samsung stock?" to get semiconductor exposure.

• ETF holdings example: Popular South Korea country ETFs often list Samsung as the largest or one of the largest holdings, sometimes representing double-digit percentages of the fund’s allocation. Always read the ETF’s latest holdings disclosure to confirm current weights.

Where to find official information

• Samsung Investor Relations: Use Samsung’s official investor relations pages for the latest listing details, dividends, filings, and corporate disclosures.
• Korea Exchange (KRX) notices: For trading rules, settlement cycles, and listing changes, consult KRX announcements.
• Exchange filings for GDRs: LSE/LuxSE notices and depositary bank disclosures provide specifics about GDR issuance, conversion mechanics, and dividend handling.
• Broker disclosures: Your broker’s international trading documentation describes fees, custody, and market access specifics.

For up-to-date listings and corporate filings, always confirm via the official issuer (Samsung Investor Relations) and the exchange where the instrument trades.

References and further reading

• Samsung Investor Relations — listing information and investor materials (official source for corporate filings and shareholder information).
• Investopedia — guidance on how investors in the U.S. can gain exposure to foreign companies.
• Seeking Alpha — articles summarizing practical ways to buy Samsung stock and the differences between KRX shares and GDRs.
• Finbold, Benzinga, NerdWallet — consumer guides on buying Samsung stock and related instruments.
• eToro market page for Samsung GDR (SMSN.L) and similar market pages (for reference on GDR listings and quotes).
• Motley Fool coverage on the chip sector as of Dec 11, 2025 — context on AI-driven demand for chips and why semiconductor exposure is a frequent investor interest.

Note: Readers should verify current exchange listings, ticker symbols and market data before trading, and consult licensed brokers or tax advisors for personal guidance.

Actionable next steps

If you want to explore Samsung exposure now:

• Check whether your current broker supports KRX or LSE trading.
• If not, consider opening an international brokerage account that supports those markets or use an ETF that holds Samsung.
• Review fees and tax withholding rules before placing orders.
• Use secure custody solutions — for crypto-native users exploring cross-asset custody, Bitget Wallet provides a secure way to manage assets while Bitget’s platform offers market information and multi-asset tools. Verify market access and product availability on Bitget before trading.

Further exploration of Bitget features and market access can help you compare costs and execution options for international stocks and ETFs.