bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

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


South Korea seeks FTA with India
President Roh Moo-hyun Tuesday held back-to-back summits with his counterparts from India and New Zealand on the sidelines of a regional conference here to discuss ways to strengthen South Korea’s bilateral ties with those countries.
Australian ambassador’s big regret: no FTA
Australian Ambassador Colin Heseltine left Seoul two days ago for home at the end of his assignment with one major bit of unfinished business - he was not able to push the excellent bilateral relations between both countries to an even higher level with a free trade agreement.
Parliament ratifies FTA with Singapore
Korea’s National Assembly has overwhelmingly ratified a free trade agreement with Singapore. The vote was 220:5 in favor with three abstentions.
Understanding FTAs: going back to the basics
Despite being a late starter in pursuing bilateral free trade agreements, Korea has been actively seeking Free Trade Agreement talks with its trading partners around the world.
Korea pushing to mitigate impact of free trade deals
South Korea is moving to provide financial assistance and other support to companies and their workers who are adversely affected by free trade agreements with foreign countries, officials said Tuesday.
Prospects seen dim for Japan trade pact
Korea’s top trade official voiced pessimism about the prospects for signing a free trade agreement with Japan and the United States, but was more hopeful about future trade accords with other nations.
BOK head calls for FTAs in N-E Asia
The nation’s top central banker Monday stressed the need for speeding up the formation of free trade agreements (FTAs) among Korea, China and Japan, to boost regional cooperation and mutual investment.
Seoul gingerly courts trade pacts
Seoul is trying to adopt a more flexible approach to deeper international economic ties after the very public and very intense domestic brawl over the ratification of a free trade agreement with Chile.
S. Korea, EFTA initial free trade accord
South Korea and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) initialed a free trade agreement (FTA) on Tuesday, a deal that should give domestic companies a beachhead in the European market, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
South Korea, Mexico to push for limited trade talks
South Korea and Mexico have agreed to discuss a limited economic cooperation after failing to open talks on a free trade agreement, Seoul’s presidential office and foreign ministry said on Saturday.