Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Permanent Mission to the International Maritime Organization

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a key country in NATO, the G7 and the G20, and a leader of the Commonwealth, the United Kingdom displays significant leadership in regional security issues across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, as well as global issues such as climate change and development.

Korea-UK relations began in 1883 when Korea signed the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation with the UK, making Britain the second Western power, after the United States, to establish such ties with Korea.

Since then, the UK has remained a valued ally, as demonstrated during the Korean War when the UK sent over 80,000 soldiers to aid South Korea, a contingent second only in size to that of the US. The Republic of Korea continues to remember the courage and sacrifice of those British troops, including through such memorials as the Seolmari Memorial in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, and the Korean War Memorial on the banks of the Thames.

Turning to the current international order, the UK is the birthplace of universal values such as freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Korea and the UK are core allies that share these values. Last year, Korea and the UK marked a historic milestone with their celebration of the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. In November 2023, the Korean President’s state visit to the UK further strengthened the bilateral relationship. The first state visit hosted by His Majesty King Charles III after the Coronation, it resulted in the signing of the historic "Downing Street Agreement" and the elevation of Korea-UK relations to the level of a "Global Strategic Partnership."

Through the "Downing Street Agreement," the two leaders committed to substantially enhance bilateral relations across all fields, including diplomacy, defense and the defense industry, trade and investment, clean energy including nuclear energy, offshore wind, AI, quantum, and biotechnology.

Both countries pursue extensive cooperation in the economic sphere through the establishment of various platforms for expanding and enhancing dialogue. In fields such as finance, science and technology, digital, critical minerals, supply chains, and energy, the UK and Korea are moving beyond simple exchanges to solidify their positions as key partner countries, addressing global economic security challenges together.

The UK, a traditional maritime power, hosts the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized UN agency that sets standards for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. As a major maritime nation, Korea established its IMO mission in July 2021 and achieved its 12th consecutive term as a Category A member of the IMO Council as of December 2023. As a Council member, Korea actively contributes to developing international technical standards in areas such as greenhouse gas reductions for ships and autonomous vessels.

The two countries’ cooperation benefits from vibrant cultural, sports, and person-to-person exchanges between their citizens. The Korean Cultural Centre in London, near Trafalgar Square, aims to “connect” Korea and the UK through exhibitions, performances, film, literature, and education with its "Connect Korea" campaign.

The development of Korea-UK relations offers great opportunities for the 39,000 Korean citizens residing in the UK. Our embassy places a high priority on safeguarding the rights of Koreans living in the UK and ensuring the safety and convenience of all Korean visitors.

Our embassy will make every effort to open a new era of cooperation with the British government, with Korea positioned as a ‘global pivotal state’ that seeks to advance freedom, peace and prosperity in the world. We kindly ask for your continued interest and support.

Thank you.