Korea strives to promote friendly and cooperative relations with other countries in accordance with the principle of international pacifism. As of June 2020, Korea maintains diplomatic relations with a total of 191 countries. Among them, the government manages resident embassies in 115 countries, 46 consulate generals to provide consular services in countries with Korean embassies, and five permanent missions to international organizations. In addition, 42 Korean Cultural Centers are operating in 32 countries to promote Korean culture.

In keeping with its higher international standing, Korea is committed to carrying out positive activities as a member of diverse international organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Labour Organization (ILO), World Health Organization (WHO), and World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Korea became a member of the United Nations (UN) in 1991 and joined the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 1996. The country has also engaged in various activities as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1947.



International Cooperation

Korea does its best in the sector of international cooperation in keeping with its enhanced economic strength. The country takes part in programs designed to provide support for impoverished countries through the World Bank, the IMF, and the OECD. Recently, the country has also joined worldwide efforts for peacekeeping, global economic stabilization, environmental conservation in response to global warming, etc.

Korea is enhancing its reputation in the international community by achieving notable results in the green growth sector. The country has hosted the UN Green Climate Fund (GCF) designed to limit or reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in developing countries, and to help vulnerable societies adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. In addition, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is also headquartered in Seoul.

Provision of Support for Developing Countries

The 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness, the largest-scale international meeting in the development and cooperation sector, was held in November 2011 in Busan, the second largest city of Korea. This showed the phenomenal success story of Korea which transformed itself in only half a century from one of the most impoverished countries in the world into a donor capable of providing aid to other countries.

Korea’s foreign aid programs are coordinated by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Since its establishment in 1991, this agency has fulfilled a variety of programs designed to provide support for developing countries, thereby increasing global understanding and awareness of Korea. KOICA provides ODA (Official Development Assistance) of USD 400-500 million annually for developing countries in Asia and Africa; these funds contribute to numerous areas including education, health, agriculture/forestry/fisheries, public administration, and industrial energy, among others.

Korea is also willing to make a great contribution to world peace and security through participation in a wide range of UN peacekeeping operations and support for the UN peacekeeping budget. Currently, Korean troops are stationed in seven countries including Lebanon, South Sudan, India, Pakistan, and Western Sahara, where they are tasked with maintaining order, rehabilitation, medical services, and other activities.