South Korea Country Profile
As leaders from South Korea and New Zealand meet this week, we thought it timely to look at the ties between New Zealand and the North Asian country. How do New Zealanders view South Korea and its relationship with New Zealand? Download our South Korea Country Profile PDF for all the details.. Download our South Korea Country Profile PDF for all the details.
New Zealand Korean War veterans John Barnett and Ronald Pocock walking arm in arm through the the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan (Photo: Chris Skelton)
The New Zealand-South Korea relationship has come a long way since diplomatic relations were established in 1962.
Today, South Korea is one of New Zealand’s most important partners in the Asia region. Annual trade between the two countries nears $9 billion, making the nation south of the 38th parallel our sixth largest trade partner.
However, our links extend beyond trade; for instance, we also claim connections to one of the country’s most successful K-pop bands, Blackpink – two of its four members have strong ties to New Zealand.
South Korea Country Profile - see the findings
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Asia New Zealand Foundation research shows that New Zealanders are increasingly recognising the importance of South Korea. While it is much less populous than some of its neighbours, our latest New Zealanders' Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples research shows it is seen as the fifth most important Asian country to New Zealand’s future. It’s also seen as one of our closest friends in the region, behind only Japan and Singapore.
The Foundation's Research Programme commissions studies that support informed public conversations about New Zealand’s relationship with Asia. We also support the next generation of scholars through our Foundation Research Grants.
Our Insights programme provides expert analysis on on Asia and New Zealand-Asia relations.
