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Korea

The government of South Korea has concluded, or is pursuing negotiations for, a number of bilateral free trade and investment agreements. Korean social movements have been mobilizing in opposition to these ever since the Korea-Chile FTA was proposed. So far, South Korea has signed deals with Chile (2004), EFTA (2004), Singapore (2005), ASEAN (2007) the US (2007, ratified in 2011), Peru (2011) and Turkey (2012). Talks are under way with Canada, China, Mexico, India, the EU and, technically speaking, Japan. Negotiations with Colombia have stalled over Colombia’s demands for access for better terms for its fruit and flower exports than what Korea gives Chile and Peru. Seoul is also looking to open discussions with Mercosur, Malaysia, Mexico and possibly Israel.

last update: May 2012
Photo: Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 3.0


Moon’s ’New Deal’ visions and India-South Korea economic ties
In September this year, India and South Korea resumed renegotiation of their landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that played a key role in spurring trade between the two sides and boosted bilateral ties.
Israel-Korea free trade agreement to stress tech cooperation
The soon to be signed agreement was delayed because of Korean political concerns that have been removed by Israel-UAE normalization.
Deputy FM Kim to visit Mexico next week for talks on resumption of FTA talks, economic cooperation
Korean Deputy Foreign Minister will visit Mexico for talks with his counterpart and other officials over economic cooperation, including the resumption of bilateral free trade talks.
Third round of South Korea FTA negotiations concludes
Cambodia and South Korea have productively concluded the third round of negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), which is expected to boost bilateral trade and investment once it enters into force.
FTA with ROK planned by end of year
Cambodia and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have pledged to finalise their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations by the end of the year to increase trade and investment between the two countries.
S. Korea seeks to launch formal FTA talks with Uzbekistan by year-end
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said that South Korea seeks to launch formal negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement with Uzbekistan by the end of this year. The minister unveiled the plan during a meeting with economy-related ministers in Seoul.
UAE deal paves way for South Korea FTA
The normalization with the United Arab Emirates has given fresh impetus to negotiations for a free trade agreement with South Korea, according to Globes on Tuesday.
Chile seeks to resume FTA negotiations with South Korea
Chile’s official recently visited South Korea, with the intention of resuming the negotiations to update the FTA between both countries that were interrupted by the pandemic.
S. Korea holds hearing on potential FTA with Uzbekistan
South Korea said Thursday it will hold a public hearing on the envisioned free trade pact with Uzbekistan, as the country aims to boost exports in the face of the new coronavirus pandemic.
S. Korea, China to hold virtual FTA talks starting Monday
South Korea and China will hold a new round of negotiations on their free trade agreement(FTA) regarding the service and investment sectors this week.