British Columbia and South Korea
South Korea is Asia’s fourth largest economy in Asia and is home to a well-established and competitive democracy. It is among the wealthiest economies in Asia and possesses a major consumer base with strong purchasing power.
Trade & Investment Highlights
- Canada and South Korea share the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement which came into force in 2015 and has since facilitated trade activities between the two countries.
- In 2022, South Korea applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
- Korea’s Gyeonggi Province and B.C. have been sister province since 2008. During Premier Eby’s trade mission to Asia in 2023, B.C. and Gyeonggi Province signed an enhanced action plan agreement to strengthen co-operation on cleantech and clean energy to address climate change.
- Through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada will work 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 at a Glance
Monetary figures are in USD
Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters
South Korea Top Industries (2018-2023)
Industries for Outward Investment
 Electronic Components |
 Semiconductors |
 Coal, Oil & Gas |
Source: FDI Markets
Import Industries
(by value)
 Mineral Fuels & Oils |
 Electrical Machinery & Equipment |
 Machinery & Mechanical Appliances |
Source: International Trade Centre
Fastest Growing Import Opportunities
 Pearls, Precious or Semi-precious Stones & Metals |
 Mineral Ores, Slag & Ash |
 Inorganic Chemicals |
Source: International Trade Centre
BC Export Industries to Market
 Mineral Fuels & Oils |
 Mineral Ores, Slag & Ash |
 Wood Products |
Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada
Trade & Investment Resources
For B.C. Businesses
For International Businesses
Latest News And Stories
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
- 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
Senior Commercial Officer
Commercial Officer
Commercial Officer
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.