British Columbia and South Korea
South Korea is Asia’s fourth largest economy with a GDP of $1.7 trillion USD in 2023 and a population of 52 million in 2024. It is a well-established democracy and one of the wealthiest economies in Asia, boasting a major consumer base with strong purchasing power. The GDP growth is projected to weaken to 1.0% in 2025 before picking up to 2.2% in 2026. Trade with B.C. is significant, with South Korea being the 4th largest destination for B.C. goods exports in 2024, totaling $3.6 billion, representing 6% of B.C.’s commodity exports.
Trade & Investment Highlights
- Korea’s Gyeonggi Province and B.C. have been sister provinces since 2008. During Premier Eby’s trade mission to Asia in 2025, the University of British Columbia and Pohang University of Science and Technology signed an MOU to promote joint research, faculty and student exchanges. Additionally, Simon Fraser University and Seoul National University signed an MOU to strengthen agritech research collaboration, and Simon Fraser University and Pohang University of Science and Technology BK21 Advanced Materials Research Program signed an MOU to enhance research collaboration on food security and agritech.
- The Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) continues to facilitate trade, though trade remedies like anti-dumping and countervailing duties, governed by the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA), are in place against certain South Korean steel products.
- Through its Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada works with South Korea in support of resilient supply chains, the supply of critical minerals, and high labour conditions and environmental protections, including the transition to clean energy. South Korea is a priority market for trade and investment in B.C.’s Trade Diversification Strategy.
- In 2024, South Korea was the 4th largest destination for B.C. goods exports, receiving 6% of B.C.’s commodity exports, totaling $3.6 billion.
South Korea at a Glance
Monetary figures are in USD
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How We Help
- Assist in commercial location identification and site selection.
- Provide information on transportation infrastructure and logistics gateways.
- Offer introductions to sector associations, industries and provide cluster insight.
- Facilitate understanding and solutions for talent, skilled workforce and labour mobility
- Facilitate engagement with professional advisors on legal, compliance and tax matters
- Help navigating and offering referrals within government agencies on First Nations, business and regulatory processes.
- Identify high potential investment opportunities and offer industry insight.
- Introductions to sector associations and local industry contacts.
- Introductions to companies seeking investments to expand.
- Provide knowledge on local innovation hubs and connections to entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Introductions to local venture capital networks.
- Market entry assistance in international markets.
- Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
- Validate the potential of products in new international markets.
- Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
- Strategic introductions to prospective buyers and partners in foreign markets.
- Participate in relevant international trade missions and events, and inbound buyer visits.
- Provide insight and advice on how to leverage trade agreements and overcome trade barriers.
- Enable access to trade representatives in foreign markets for on-the-ground assistance.
- Advice and coaching on how to prepare for successful export development and market entrance.
Trade & Investment Offices in South Korea
- South Korea
Seoul
With the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA), British Columbia and Korea enjoy strong bilateral relationships and extensive business connections, particularly trade in goods such as coal, copper, unwrought aluminum, and wood products including wood pulp. South Korea’s technology-intensive economy presents opportunities for trade and partnership in additional key sectors.
Our Trade and Investment representatives actively assist Korean and British Columbia businesses to explore shared opportunities in transportation, digital media, information and communication technologies, clean technologies, renewable energy, marine technology, life sciences, and education.
Seoul Office:
Embassy of Canada to Korea
21 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, 04518
Seoul, South Korea
Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:
Managing Director, Korea
Commercial Officer
Senior Commercial Officer
Commercial Officer
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Our Trade and Investment Representatives can help you establish the right connections, participate in events and tradeshows, explore programs and initiatives, and more. Connect with an expert near you.