South Korea is one of the major economic powers in the Asia-Pacific region and has the capacity to influence regional equations. The Seoul administration, which has become a global actor through the policies it has pursued in its development and growth process, is developing its relations with various regions and countries in different ways. In this context, one of the geographies that Seoul has turned to is Central Asia
As a matter of fact, the 15th meeting of the South Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum, which was initiated in 2007 and held with the participation of foreign ministers, was held in Busan on October 25, 2022. Among the issues discussed at the meeting are cooperation in the energy, digital technology, economic security, tourism and health sectors. In this sense, the meeting summarizes South Korea’s approach to Central Asia.[1] In addition, there are six main goals that South Korea has adopted for Central Asia. Goals that include medium and long-term plans include:[2]
- Transportation and Logistics: Creation of logistic transportation centers and coplex terminals
- Energy: Rational use and creation of renewable energy sources
- Industry: Modernization and diversification of the industrial system, and thus the creation of special economic zones and privatization of public enterprises in this process
- Climate Change: Taking ecology-based steps, forestry against desertification and creation of ecological raw material complex
- Health and Medicine: Improving infrastructure and doctor replacement
- Education-Culture: Establishment of a network of modern managers and increasing cultural contacts
In this context, South Korea has shown that it attaches importance to developing a multifaceted relationship with Central Asia. In fact, when some topics are examined, the importance of Central Asia in South Korea’s foreign policy will be understood more clearly.
South Korea is a state that does not have underground resources in terms of energy. For example, it imports about 98% of its fossil fuel needs. It also does not have any oil or gas pipelines. For this reason, it meets its needs by sea with tankers. While a significant part of the energy produced in the country is based on renewable energy sources; This amount is insufficient and dependent on the outside for fossil resources.[3] For this reason, one of the countries recently targeted by South Korea, which wants to be included in energy projects in Central Asia, is Turkmenistan.[4]
According to 2021 data, South Korea, which has a population of approximately 51.7 million, has a gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.81 trillion dollars.[5] In this respect, it can be said that South Korea is an economically developed country. It is also known that South Korea’s various internationally operating companies have a significant trade volume.
Predictably, Seoul wants to develop its relations with the capitals of Central Asia with an industrial dimension. This is due to the desire to build a more integrated economy. In addition, the various underground riches and raw materials in the region are also important for the stability of the South Korean economy. Because it can be said that the Seoul administration is trying to take measures against the increasing tensions in world politics by expanding and deepening its commercial and industrial relations within the framework of economic security.
Climate change and increasing ecological problems are directly and indirectly threatening various regions of the world. While Central Asia is facing the problems of drought and desertification, South Korea is struggling with issues such as air pollution, nuclear waste, and deterioration in water quality. In this context, South Korea aims to become one of the important countries in topics such as green policy, renewable energy, greenhouse gas emissions, waste management, and technology to reduce climate change.[6]
These characteristics and the problems it suffer serve to strengthen the “green” bond between Seoul and Central Asia. It can be said that South Korea wants to create an influence in the region in this regard.
One of the sources of the importance South Korea attaches to Central Asia is security and geopolitical competition. Today, the Seoul administration takes a fundamentally peaceful stance in its foreign policy. However, South Korea received support from the United States of America (USA) during the Korean War between 1950 and 1953; the Soviet Union and China also supported North Korea. Therefore, while South Korea has close relations with the West; It also establishes relations with China within a pragmatist framework. This situation causes distrust between states and brings about various question marks about security and geopolitical competition. Central Asia is also a geography that Seoul attaches importance to because it is both in the west of China and a region where various actors are trying to establish influence.
As a result, Central Asia holds critical importance in South Korea’s foreign policy for various reasons and objectives. Energy, economy, industry, and geopolitical competition are particularly prominent topics. The various riches of Central Asia are significant for Seoul while its proximity means reduced costs in acquiring underground resources. In addition, South Korea closely monitors the liberalization process in Central Asia for economic security amidst increasing global tension. It can be said that Central Asian states are attracted to Seoul’s high economic and technological capacity. In this context, it can be expressed that the relationship between the parties will further strengthen, and the importance of Central Asia in South Korea’s foreign policy will increase.
[1] Yi Wonju, “S. Korea, 5 Central Asian Nations Discuss Cooperation on 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations”, Yonhap News Agency, https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20221025004000325, (Date of Accession: 25.04.2023).
[2] Ainura Akmatalieva, “Central Asia and South Korea: Seeking Opportunities for Increased Cooperation”, CABAR, https://cabar.asia/en/central-asia-and-south-korea-seeking-opportunities-for-increased-cooperation, (Date of Accession: 25.04.2023).
[3] “South Korea”, U.S. Energy Information Administration, https://www.eia.gov/international/overview/country/KOR, (Date of Accession: 25.04.2023).
[4] “South Korean Companies Eye in Gas Projects in Turkmenistan”, Azarnews, https://www.azernews.az/oil_and_gas/209015.html, (Date of Accession: 25.04.2023).
[5]“Korea, Rep.”, The World Bank, https://data.worldbank.org/country/korea-rep?view=chart, (Date of Accession: 25.04.2023).
[6] Brett Smith, “South Korea: Environmental Issues, Policies and Clean Technology”, AZO Cleantech, https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=552, (Erişim Tarihi: 25.04.2023); “25 Years of Ambitious Environmental Reform”, OECD, https://www.oecd.org/country/korea/thematic-focus/25-years-of-ambitious-environmental-reform-16cde12d/, (Date of Accession: 25.04.2023).
