- Negotiations
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
7-Apr-2026
KBS
South Korea and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to implement their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement on May 1.
1-Apr-2026
Yonhap
The National Assembly ratified the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, marking South Korea’s first free trade pact with a Middle Eastern country.
31-Mar-2026
Jordan News
The government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the government of the Republic of Korea signed an Economic and Trade Cooperation Agreement.
24-Mar-2026
Yonhap
South Korea and Mongolia discussed Tuesday ways to accelerate negotiations for a bilateral comprehensive economic partnership agreement, with the agreement expected to deepen critical minerals cooperation between the two countries.
24-Feb-2026
KBS
South Korea and Brazil agreed to elevate ties between the two countries to a strategic partnership and adopted a four-year action plan for its implementation.
2-Feb-2026
Pulse
South Korea and the United Kingdom have concluded negotiations to upgrade their free trade agreement (FTA), prompting Korean companies to move swiftly to establish the UK as a strategic overseas base.
26-Jan-2026
The Korea Times
South Korea’s push for a CEPA with Bangladesh warrants caution. While touted as a strategic gateway to South Asia, Bangladesh faces serious challenges — including political instability, weak infrastructure, and concerns over labour standards and governance — that could undermine the human rights and economic benefit for the people.
22-Jan-2026
Mexico Business News
Mexico and South Korea are advancing talks to finalize a bilateral free trade agreement aimed at lowering tariffs and boosting economic cooperation. The renewed momentum follows a high-level parliamentary exchange, with Mexico pledging to support negotiations and facilitate the process.
21-Jan-2026
Pulse
South Korea and China will open the 13th round of follow-up negotiations on services and investment under the Korea-China free trade agreement (FTA) on Monday in Beijing.
21-Jan-2026
Yonhap News Agency
Peru is set to become the latest member of the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), opening new opportunities for South Korea and other member nations, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.
Links
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KoPA is a coalition of around 50 NGOs, social movement organizations, political parties, peasant organizations and trade unions working, among other things, to stop bilateral and regional free trade agreements and the WTO.
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