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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


Britain begins preparations for S.Korea trade talks
Britain began preparations on Friday for trade talks with South Korea, starting a consultation with businesses and individuals about what they want to see in a future free trade agreement.
Georgia and Korea to start free trade talks in 2023
The parties agreed to implement“relevant internal state procedures as soon as possible’ to start negotiations on the actual agreement, with the first round of talks planned for 2023.
S. Korea, Ecuador hold new round of talks for bilateral trade deal
South Korea and Ecuador on Monday began an eighth round of talks on the formation of a bilateral free trade deal, Seoul’s trade ministry said. If the deal is reached, South Korea will be the first Asian country to have a free trade agreement with Ecuador.
S. Korea, India kick off negotiations on upgrading trade pact
South Korea and India launched a new round of negotiations to upgrade their bilateral trade pact after a three-year hiatus, Seoul’s trade ministry said.
S Korea, Arab nations to hold new round of FTA talks next week
South Korea and a group of Arab countries will hold another round of negotiations for their free trade deal next week, Seoul’s trade ministry said. South Korea and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will begin the sixth round of official talks for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) in Seoul.
S. Korea, Uruguay agree to speed up free trade talks with Mercosur
South Korea and Mercosur held their seventh round of free trade negotiations in September last year, but little progress has been reported since then.
Korea, Chile agree to resume FTA upgrade talks this year
Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo held talks with Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Tuesday and agreed to resume negotiations this year to upgrade a bilateral free trade agreement that went into effect in 2004.
Lone Star, other investor-state disputes cost Korea W68.5b
South Korea has spent nearly 68.5 billion won ($48.1 million) in total to fight and settle investor-state dispute settlements since 2013,#including its battle with US-based private equity firm Lone Star, data showed.
Cambodia-Korea FTA to come into force from December 1
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea confirmed on Sunday that the Cambodia-Korea Free Trade Agreement will enter into force on December 1, 2022.
Korea ratifies free trade deals with Israel, Cambodia
Korea’s National Assembly on Tuesday ratified a respective free trade agreement with Israel and Cambodia, wrapping up the final domestic procedure needed for their implementation.