B.C. Week 2025 Strengthens South Korea Partnerships

Key Points:

What drives stronger economic and innovation ties between British Columbia and South Korea? Stronger economic and innovation ties between British Columbia and South Korea are driven by shared priorities in technology, clean energy and agrifood advancement.

• B.C. Week 2025 in Seoul brought together more than 400 participants to advance collaboration in agrifood innovation, energy security and technology pathways to North America.
• Senior leaders, major institutions and industry partners from both regions strengthened ties through panels, presentations and networking sessions.
• The event reinforced British Columbia’s position as a strategic gateway for Korean companies seeking North American market access, supported by growing interest in clean energy, AI and innovation ecosystems.

Overview of B.C. Week 2025 in Seoul

B.C. Week 2025 returned to Seoul from November 25 to 26, reinforcing its role as a leading platform for expanding economic, trade and innovation ties between British Columbia (B.C.) and South Korea. Hosted by the British Columbia Korea Office, the program took place at the Embassy of Canada to Korea and the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, drawing a wide network of partners committed to advancing collaboration across priority sectors.

Expanding B.C.–South Korea Economic and Innovation Links

Now in its third year, the event brought together major South Korean conglomerates, financial institutions, startups, academic partners, investors and government representatives. The program centred on three shared priorities: food and agritech, energy security and innovation and technology pathways to North America. These themes reflected the growing alignment between B.C. and South Korea as both regions pursue sustainable growth and resilient supply chains.

More than 400 participants joined in person and online, including representatives from over 30 B.C. companies and institutions and more than 40 South Korean partner organisations. Their engagement highlighted the increasing connectivity between North America and Asia, particularly in artificial intelligence, clean energy transition and agrifood innovation. Senior leaders, including the CEO of Invest Vancouver, further elevated the event’s profile ahead of Vancouver’s role as a FIFA World Cup host city.

Quick Facts:

• Korea’s Gyeonggi Province and B.C. have been sister provinces since 2008.
• In 2024, South Korea was the 4th largest destination for B.C. goods exports.
• Canada-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement came into effect on January 1, 2015.
• Premier David Eby second trade mission to Korea took place in June 2025.

Agrifood Innovation Highlights

The program opened with a session focused on agrifood, titled Future of Food: Agrifood Innovation, highlighting emerging trends and innovation in the agrifood sector. Experts from Trade and Invest BC, B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI), Simon Fraser University, Seoul National University and Mitacs shared insights on emerging trends, climate‑resilient technologies and global foodtech developments. A panel discussion with panelists from Seoul National University, Mitacs, Simon Fraser University, Huenic and EDC Korea explored opportunities and challenges in global food innovation, offering practical perspectives and fostering new professional connections. The session underscored the potential for deeper collaboration in advancing innovation across the global food sector.

B.C.–Korea Partnerships at the Friends of B.C. Reception

The Friends of British Columbia reception celebrated long‑standing partnerships and the growing momentum of B.C.–Korea relations. Ambassador Philippe Lafortune delivered congratulatory remarks and presented the Friends of B.C. Award to Korea-based gaming company, Netmarble for its contributions to bilateral ties. Messages from Premier David Eby and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Korea highlighted the strategic alignment between the two regions. With more than 90 attendees, the reception served as a warm and effective platform for relationship‑building.

Energy Security and Clean Energy Collaboration

Energy security took centre stage on the second morning. Policymakers, industry leaders and academic experts examined Korea’s evolving energy landscape and identified opportunities for collaboration with B.C. The National Assembly Futures Institute outlined Korea’s energy transition under the Lee Administration, followed by presentations from AltaGas, Hanwha Ocean and Invest Vancouver. A panel discussion explored practical next steps for cooperation, supported by active engagement during the question-and-answer session.

B.C. as a Gateway to North America

The final session, BC Innovation: Pathways to North America, positioned British Columbia as a strategic entry point for Korean companies seeking to expand into the North American market. Partners including Invest Vancouver, British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Web Summit, BeroAI, Lawson Lundell and Air Canada showcased B.C.’s strengths in talent development, industry‑academic collaboration and innovation incentives. The upcoming Web Summit Vancouver 2026 was highlighted as a major opportunity for Korean firms to gain visibility and build partnerships.

MOU Signing between BCIT and City of Gongju in Korea

Highlighting the growing educational partnership between British Columbia and Korea, BCIT and City of Gongju signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during B.C. Week 2025 to establish a collaborative framework to co-develop training programs, practical courses and launch applied research projects. Under this MOU, the City of Gongju plans to advance their Global Education Technology Center in 2026, integrating BCIT’s educational expertise and curriculum.

Strengthening Long‑Term B.C.–Korea Cooperation

B.C. Week 2025 concluded with a clear message: the partnership between British Columbia and South Korea continues to grow in scale and ambition. Through sustained engagement and shared commitment, both regions are well positioned to advance collaboration in innovation, energy and emerging technologies in the years ahead.

Connect with Trade and Invest BC to explore partnership opportunities with British Columbia and stay connected to future B.C.–Korea initiatives.