Ireland's relationship with the Republic of Korea
Ireland and Korea share fundamental values. Steadfast dedication to international diplomacy, the expansion of trade, and the promotion of cultural exchange are at the core of our strong relationship.
The establishment of formal relations between Ireland and the Republic of Korea in 1983 has helped to accelerate political, economic, cultural and people-to-people connections between our nations. Bilateral trade is over €5 billion, and tourism between Ireland and Korea is ever increasing.
Ireland and Korea: 40 years of diplomatic relations
Political links
Ireland and Korea share a strong belief in democracy, respect for human rights and multilateralism. This is evident in our close cooperation in multilateral fora, including at the United Nations.
An example of our shared values and close cooperation is the ongoing presence of both Irish and Korean Peacekeepers in Lebanon.
Economic ties
Trade between Ireland and Korea has grown significantly since the signing of the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement in 2011, to over €5 billion.
Exports from Ireland include food, pharma, ICT, life sciences, agritech and renewable energy. Exports from Korea include electronics and motor vehicles. Hyundai has been the most popular car in Ireland for a number of years.
In 2023, Korea was chosen at the destination for the first ever Team Ireland Trade Mission where Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and three Government Ministers embarked on a week-long mission to further boost economic ties.
Cultural and people-to-people connections
The Irish community in Korea is estimated to number approx. 700. There is an active Irish Association of Korea and Ireland-Korea Business Network in Seoul, and GAA clubs in Seoul, Busan and Jeju. Tourism between Ireland and Korea is ever increasing, and up to 700 Korean nationals travel to Ireland each year as part of the bilateral Working Holiday Agreement between Ireland and Korea.
In March each year, Irish culture is celebrated in Korea on the occasion of St. Patrick’s Day with a programme of events and activities. And throughout the year, there are active Joyce and Yeats societies, and groups with a keen interest in Irish music, dance, literature and language. In Ireland, there is also a growing interest in Korean culture, with increasing availability of Korean Film and K-Drama, growing popularity of K-Pop, and a growing appetite for Korean food.
Missionaries
Ireland and Korea have long and deep connections since the arrival of Columban Missionaries and the Hospitaller Order of St John of God in the 1950s.
Missionaries have and continue to make a significant contribution to the development of healthcare, education, disability services, mental health services, literature, and to the economy of South Korea, to this day.
Korean War
When the Korean War broke out in 1950, Ireland was in the process of joining the United Nations, and therefore did not contribute forces to the UN Command. Despite this, countless Irish men and men of Irish descent fought under the flags of other nations during the war.
The Royal Ulster Regiment, comprising Irishmen from across the island of Ireland, played a critical role, and their involvement in the infamous ‘Battle of Happy Valley’ is considered a pivotal moment in the war. A dedicated memorial was unveiled at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul in 2013 in memory of the Irish who fought and died.