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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


S. Korea set to re-open FTA talks with Japan
South Korea is willing to resume talks with Japan on a free trade agreement (FTA) if the latter promises to open its agricultural market wider, Seoul’s top economic policymaker said Saturday.
Korea now plans to expand free trade aggressively
After reaching free trade agreements with relatively small economies such as Chile and Singapore, Korea is looking to expand its horizons as it prepares to launch free trade negotiations with two of the world’s leading economies.
S. Korea-Singapore FTA to take effect in March
South Korea and Singapore agreed to begin implementation of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) on March 2, according to South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Tuesday.
Indian president makes first-ever state visit to Korea
Indian President Abdul Kalam will make a four-day visit to Korea from Feb. 6 through 9 for a summit with Korean President Roh Moo-hyun.
New Australian envoy looking ahead to FTA deal
The new Australian Ambassador’s third posting in Korea might be the charm that helps bring Australia-Korea trade relations to its zenith.
KITA launches web portal on FTAs
The Korea International Trade Association on Wednesday launched a web portal on the country’s free trade agreements.
Korea saw rapid FTA progress in 2005
Korea made significant achievements in the area of free trade agreements in 2005, demonstrating the government’s stellar management of trade policies, experts say.
Chile to cite Koreans for FTA efforts
The Chilean Embassy in Seoul said that Chile will award the “Decoration of Bernardo O’Higgins” to five Koreans who contributed to the successful free trade agreement (FTA) between South Korea and Chile.
S. Korea, India adopt final framework on FTA talks
South Korea and India adopted a final framework Friday to begin talks on a free trade agreement, Seoul officials said.
Korea, EFTA ink free trade deal
South Korea’s trade minister and his counterparts from the European Free Trade Association, or EFTA, signed a free trade agreement yesterday at the World Trade Organization ministerial conference in Hong Kong.