The two countries enjoy close relations in a spirit of trust. In 2023, Germany and Korea marked 140 years of diplomatic ties, and the anniversary was celebrated under the heading of “A friendship that unites and inspires”. Some 36,000 people of Korean nationality live in Germany. Korean guest workers in Germany – particularly miners and nursing staff – supported the reconstruction of both countries.

Common foreign policy priorities include strengthening democracy and human rights, promoting multilateralism and consolidating the global economic and financial system, as well as supporting international peacekeeping operations. Along with the members of the G7, the EU, and other countries, the Republic of Korea imposed economic sanctions on Russia in response to its war of aggression against Ukraine.

Germany and Korea share the experience of national division. Since 2011, experts from politics and academia have used the annual meetings of the German-Korean Advisory Board to engage in a dialogue on specific issues related to reunification. Since 2002, the German-Korean Forum with representatives from civil society in both countries has met annually to draw up recommendations on how to deepen the wide range of bilateral relations.

Since entry into force of the EU-Republic of Korea free trade agreement in 2011, the volume of bilateral trade has developed very well. With its strong economy and advanced technological capabilities, South Korea is one of Germany’s main trading partners and Germany’s third most important trading partner in Asia, after China and Japan. Germany is South Korea’s principal European trading partner. Some 540 German companies employ around 100,000 people in Korea.

South Korea is a global leader in information and communication technology and an important partner for research cooperation. In terms of cultural exchange, German classical music is held in high regard in South Korea, whereas K-pop and K-drama are highly popular in Germany.