There may exist differences in R&D patterns between multinational enterprises and domestically owned firms located in catching-up countries. This paper examines the differences in R&D patterns between different ownership in Korea. In order to do this, the paper has conducted the in-depth interview of the major multinational and local firms. The interviewed firms has been selected mainly from the telecommunication, semiconductor and display industries. The paper reveals that multinational firms tend to focus on sales-oriented R& while domestically owned firms are likely to cover the range of development, applied and basic research. The most outstanding difference lies in the length of R&D period. The domestic firms apparently turn out to conduct longer period R&D projects than multinational firms. In addition it is revealed that local firms need to develop their own capability, whereas foreign companies in Korea can acquire advanced technology and scientific knowledge from the R&D centers in their home countries. On the basis of the research findings, this paper discusses some implications and recommendations for Korea and other catching-up countries.