Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Commonwealth of Australia

It is with an immense sense of responsibility that I assume this post. The current strategic environment, with growing uncertainties and challenges to the rules-based global order, calls for greater solidarity and cooperation with likeminded partners, such as Australia than ever, to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the region, including the Korean Peninsula.

Australia sent over 17,000 troops to the Korean War to safeguard our freedom, democracy, and rule of law – the fundamental values that our two countries share and uphold. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1961, our bilateral relations have grown by leaps and bounds across a broad range of sectors, including diplomacy, security, economy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Our bilateral partnership reached a new height when it was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. Since the formation of a new government in both countries in June 2022, the partnership has been further solidified with multiple face-to-face meetings at a leader's level.

Australia is a key partner for Korea in implementing Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. From a substantial cooperation perspective, Korea and Australia have broadened their collaboration beyond the traditional resource and energy sectors to economic security, cyber security, global supply chains, critical minerals, climate change, green hydrogen, low carbon technologies, space, and scientific technologies.

In particular, our cooperation in the sphere of defence and defence industry has gone through considerable development in recent years, as evidenced by increased tempo and scale in joint military exercises, and selection of Korean industry partners as a supplier of K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers (2022) and Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles (2023) for the Australian Army.

Our Embassy will do our utmost to bolster our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and to play our role in promoting peace and stability of the region, including the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Our two countries are important economic partners. Korea is Australia’s fourth largest two-way trading partner, and Australia is Korea’s largest trading partner in the Oceania, and the largest exporter of mineral commodities and liquefied natural gas. Recognizing this significant element of our bilateral relationship, our Embassy will endeavour to strengthen economic security cooperation – ensuring stability in supply chains, particularly in critical minerals, resources, and energy sectors – and deepen industrial collaboration between our two countries.

Last but not least, our Embassy will strive to provide swift and efficient consular services to the Korean communities, estimated to be over 160,000 across Australia. They have become one of the most exemplary members of the dynamic and vibrant multicultural Australian society, and continue to play a pivotal role in cultivating friendly people-to-people links between our two countries.

Thank you for your interest in the work of our Embassy, and I look forward to your continued support and encouragement.

ADMR (Retd)   Seungseob Sim

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Commonwealth of Australia