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British Columbia and South Korea

South Korea is the fourth largest economy in Asia and is home to a well-established and competitive democracy. It is among the wealthiest economies in Asia and posses a major consumer base with strong purchasing power. B.C. and South Korea can support one another in various trade and investment activities. Through recent conversations surrounding South Korea’s involvement with the CPTPP as well as the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement, Canada and Korea have a solid economic foundation.

Trade & Investment Highlights

  • Effective 2015, Canada and South Korea share the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement, facilitating trade activities between the two countries.
  • Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership – In 2022, South Korea applied to join the CPTPP.
  • South Korea possesses a well-developed retail sector, prioritizing digital innovation in the sector

South Korea at a Glance

Monetary figures are in USD

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

South Korea Top Industries (2017-2021)

Key Market Landing Pages Infographic - South Korea
Key Market Landing Pages Infographic - South Korea
Key Market Landing Pages Infographic - South Korea
Key Market Landing Pages Infographic - South Korea

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.
  • Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
  • Advice and coaching in international expansion and exporter development.
  • Support Team BC missions and trade events.
  • Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
  • Provide insight on trade agreements and barriers.
  • Introductions to trade representatives in foreign markets.
  • Market entry assistance in international markets.

Trade & Investment Offices in 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:

Derrick Kim - Trade & Invest BC
Derrick Kim
Managing Director, Korea
Jennifer Maeng - Trade & Invest BC
Jennifer Maeng
Senior Commercial Officer
Yuna Hong - Trade & Investment Representative
Yuna Hong
Commercial Officer
Jiyoon Lee - Trade & Invest BC
Jiyoon Lee
Commercial Officer

Connect With Our International Network

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.