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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


Korea to restart FTA revision talks with Chile after two-year hiatus
The negotiations will cover all areas of the two nations’ FTA, including goods, cooperation, trade facilitation, intellectual property rights, gender equality, labor, and the environment.
S. Korea, Georgia share consensus on seeking economic partnership agreement
South Korea and Georgia shared the consensus on seeking an economic partnership agreement (EPA) to boost bilateral ties, the finance ministry said.
Top diplomats of S. Korea, Mexico discuss resumption of FTA talks, closer ties
The top diplomats of South Korea and Mexico held talks to discuss the resumption of a bilateral free trade agreement negotiation.
S. Korea, Serbia reach tentative deal on bilateral investment treaty
South Korea and Serbia have reached a tentative deal to sign a bilateral investment treaty aimed at promoting mutual investments between the two countries.
S. Korea, Dominican Republic sign bilateral trade promotion agreement
South Korea will make efforts to sign a free trade agreement for a greater market opening and economic cooperation.
Korea, Ecuador begin new round of talks for bilateral trade deal
Korea and Ecuador began their ninth round of talks on the establishment of a bilateral free trade deal.
A free trade agreement between South Korea and the GCC
South Korea is continuing negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council to enhance its energy security and improve the economics of importing sour crude from the Middle East.
Korea, Arab nations to hold new round of FTA talks
Korea and a group of Arab countries will hold a new round of negotiations for their free trade deal in Saudi Arabia this week, Seoul’s trade ministry said Tuesday.
S. Korea, Singapore to implement digital partnership pact this weekend
South Korea and Singapore plan to officially kick off their bilateral digital partnership pact this weekend in a move to boost digital trade and industry cooperation, Seoul’s trade ministry said.
S. Korea seeks to sign over 10 free trade deals this year
South Korea will push to clinch free trade agreements with more than 10 nations and a trade promotion framework with over 20 nations this year in an effort to boost growth momentum and diversify its trade portfolio, the trade ministry said.