Gore Korea, the Korean operation of W. L. Gore & Associates Inc., was selected among the “100 Best Companies to Work for in Korea” for the third consecutive year, the company said Thursday.

W. L. Gore & Associates is a five-decade-old, U.S.-based manufacturer of fluoropolymer products, and best known as the developer of Gore-Tex fabrics. 

Great Place to Work Institute, a global research and consulting firm, gave Gore Korea the annual award in recognition of its innovative spirit and liberal corporate culture.

“We are thrilled that our effort to create an inclusive workplace with ample opportunity, satisfaction and innovation is well received,” said J.K. Kim, country leader of Gore Korea. For over 50 years globally and over 20 years in Korea, Gore has cultivated a corporate culture that fosters innovation, he added.

“Our employees are encouraged to develop innovative thinking rather than being forced to obey the rules of hierarchy,” Kim said.

In October, Great Place to Work Institute also recognized Gore as one of the 25 World’s Best Multinational Workplaces for the second straight year. Meanwhile, the company was named by Fortune as among the “100 Best Companies to Work for in America” earlier this year for the 16th consecutive year.

Gore has been ranked on similar globally recognized lists in France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Britain.

By Chung Joo-won (joowonc@heraldcorp.com)