You should know that no matter which brand of brake pads you purchase, over time and through continuous braking, they will heat up — regardless of the brand. However, if you choose well-known and high-quality brands on the market, you can delay the overheating and weakening of the brake pads and use them for a longer period. Keep in mind that the alloy of the brake disc also plays a role in the brake pad’s performance. In this article, we’re going to introduce the best Korean brake pad brands and related information. So we invite you to stay with us until the end to learn more.

What Is a Brake Pad?

Brake pads were first invented in 1902 by Frederick Lanchester, and interestingly, since then, not only has their appearance remained largely the same, but even the core materials have hardly changed. For nearly a century, asbestos was commonly used in the production of brake pads. However, since asbestos is a carcinogen, its use has been banned in recent years, and manufacturers have since adopted alternative materials.

Brake pads are one of the most important components of a car’s braking system. They begin to function the moment the driver presses the brake pedal. When a vehicle’s wheels are spinning at high speeds, stopping them requires a significant amount of force and pressure. Pressing the brake pedal activates the brake fluid, which travels through the hoses toward the calipers. The calipers then press against the brake pads, causing them to make contact with the brake disc. This contact generates friction, and the resulting force brings the vehicle to a stop.

Brake pads are exposed to more heat and friction than any other part in the braking system. This friction is so intense that it brings the car to a stop within just a few seconds. It’s clear, then, that brake pads wear out and degrade faster than other parts of the vehicle. That’s why choosing high-quality brake pads and replacing them on time is essential.

South Korea is one of the leading countries in producing automotive brake pads. Due to the long lifespan, high quality, short stopping distances, and compatibility with a variety of braking conditions, Korean brake pads have gained a large following among drivers. These pads are made using quality materials and precision molding techniques, and with the use of reputable Korean brands, you no longer need to worry about the safety of your vehicle, passengers, or the rest of the braking system.

In the next section, we’ll introduce several of the best-selling Korean brake pad brands.

Introducing the Best Korean Brake Pad Brands

Korean brake pad brands also heat up under intense and continuous braking — but they need to be pushed hard to reach that point. So, your brakes won’t weaken easily. The brake pads introduced below are among the best, but keep in mind that many counterfeit versions are available on the market. Therefore, make sure to purchase from trusted and reputable stores. The best Korean brake pad brands include:

HI-Q Brand

This brand is imported from South Korea and is known for its high-quality materials and excellent wear surface. It enhances braking grip and improves brake strength. The Korean top-metal compound used in HI-Q pads helps delay overheating. Additionally, the quality of these pads prevents damage to the brake disc over time and avoids grooving the disc edges.

MB Core (mbcore) Brand

Brake pads produced by MB Core are also imported and known for their high quality and smooth operation. They perform reliably during prolonged braking sessions and maintain consistent stopping power.

HI-TEC Brand

The Korean HI-TEC brand offers imported products that perform well under all braking conditions. These brake pads are particularly suitable for aggressive driving and high-speed usage. Drivers using HI-TEC pads typically experience no issues, even under demanding circumstances.

GOLD Brand

Another high-quality imported Korean brand is GOLD. Its smooth performance stands out. Based on user experience, these pads have been used on both Chinese and Iranian vehicles for up to two years without complaints. Users are consistently satisfied with their durability and effectiveness.

What Are the Key Features of a Good Brake Pad?

Brake pads are one of the most commonly used parts in vehicles and are sold under a wide range of brands. In many cases, buyers lack sufficient information about this component and leave the decision entirely up to the seller when choosing a brand. However, knowing a few important features of high-quality brake pads can help you make a more informed purchase and better understand what makes a good brake pad. Some of the most important features include:

• Flawless appearance
• High-quality rivets
• Reliable braking performance in various weather conditions
• Smooth and even edges
• No damage to the brake disc or system
• No irregular curves or deformations
• Noise-free operation
• Long lifespan
• Strong durability and resistance
• Symmetrical design around the pad
• Proper attachment of the pad material to the metal base
• Part number and quality control markings
• Brand name engraved without scratches
• Presence of a user manual and standard certification
• Even and proper paint coating across the entire surface
• Use of ceramic or copper materials
• Metal or non-metal backing plates to reduce noise
• Built-in wear indicator
• Grooves to remove dust and gas buildup

Today, brake pad manufacturers aim to produce products with better quality and improved design, focusing on reduced noise, better disc compatibility, and consistent braking performance. Keep in mind that a quality brake pad should perform well even when cold. On the other hand, low-quality pads—often made from iron or steel—heat up excessively, tend to be cheaper, emit bad odors during braking, and sometimes even produce smoke.

Poor-quality brake pads can cause the pad surface to slip over the disc, generate excessive heat due to friction, and eventually boil the brake fluid behind the cylinder—potentially leading to brake failure and accidents.

That’s why we strongly recommend prioritizing quality over price when purchasing brake pads. Your safety is worth the investment. In this article, we introduced several top-quality Korean brake pad brands and shared valuable related insights. We hope you found this information useful and appreciate your time and patience in reading to the end.