Language selection

Government of Canada Government of Canada

Search

Canada-the Republic of Korea relations

On this page

Bilateral relations

Canada and the Republic of Korea (commonly known as South Korea) share a mature and multifaceted relationship built on decades of cooperation, shared democratic values, and growing strategic alignment. From Canada’s involvement in the Korean War to the expansion of trade, innovation, and people-to-people ties, the partnership has evolved into one of Canada’s most dynamic in the Indo-Pacific. South Korea has become an increasingly important strategic and economic partner, with strong collaboration across trade, energy, critical minerals, defence, and technology. The relationship is further reinforced by close cooperation in multilateral forums and a shared commitment to upholding the rules-based international order.

This deepening engagement is underpinned by the Canada–Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, launched in 2022, and its Action Plan introduced in 2024. The framework outlines five priority areas: democratic values and human rights; defence and security; economic prosperity and supply chain resilience; climate and sustainability; and health and cultural exchange. Canada and South Korea continue to build momentum through high-level visits, strategic dialogues, and joint initiatives that reflect the growing importance of this bilateral relationship.

Canada and South Korea formally established diplomatic relations in 1963. Canada is represented in South Korea by its Embassy in Seoul. Meanwhile in Canada, South Korea is represented by its Embassy in Ottawa and its Consulates General in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

Trade relations

Canada and South Korea maintain a strong and diversified trade relationship, anchored by the Canada–Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA), which came into force in 2015. Bilateral merchandise trade reached $24.5 billion in 2024, making South Korea Canada’s seventh-largest trading partner. Trade has doubled since the CKFTA’s implementation, with 99% of Canadian exports now eligible for duty-free access. Key sectors driving this growth include energy, critical minerals, agriculture, clean technologies, and science and innovation.

Energy and critical minerals are central to bilateral trade. South Korea’s high dependence on energy imports and its transition toward clean energy have created growing demand for Canadian exports, including crude oil, LNG, LPG, and bioenergy. Canada is also a key supplier of mineral ores essential to South Korea’s manufacturing and technology sectors. South Korean investments in Canada’s resource and clean energy sectors are helping to build vertically integrated supply chains and support Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy. A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Critical Mineral Supply Chains, the Clean Energy Transition and Energy Security signed in 2023 provides a framework for cooperation in critical mineral supply chains, clean energy transition, and energy security.

Agriculture and investment also feature prominently in the bilateral economic relationship. South Korea is Canada’s seventh-largest agri-food export market, representing a strong market for Canadian meat, seafood, grains, and specialty products. Investment flows are growing steadily, with South Korean foreign direct investment stock reaching $12 billion in 2024 concentrated in finance, energy, mining, and manufacturing, contributing to Canada’s economy and employment.

Defence and security cooperation

Canada is committed to enhancing its defence and security partnership with South Korea, with shared goals of maintaining regional peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, and upholding the rules-based international system. In October 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Lee Jae Myung announced the Canada-Republic of Korea Security and Defence Cooperation Partnership, the first of its kind for Canada in the Indo-Pacific. This agreement will reinforce collaboration in defence, military readiness, and industrial collaboration focused on the defence, maritime security, and aerospace sectors. In addition, under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, both countries cooperate on intelligence sharing, joint exercises, and defence industry collaboration. The inaugural Foreign and Defence (2+2) Ministerial Meeting was held in Ottawa in November 2024, reinforcing strategic coordination. 

Canada supports South Korea’s efforts toward a denuclearized Korean Peninsula and contributes to multilateral initiatives such as the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange and Operation NEON, which monitor North Korea’s sanctions evasion. Canada participates in the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), reinforcing joint efforts to uphold the rules-based international order. Canada also engages with South Korea within the scope of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)’s Indo-Pacific Four (IP4), reflecting shared security priorities in the region.

The Canadian Armed Forces have maintained a continuous presence in the United Nations Command (UNC) since the Korean War. Canada currently holds the Deputy Commander role and contributes personnel through the Canadian Contingent UNC (CCUNC), active in armistice supervision, ceasefire investigations, and ceremonial duties. Military relations are further supported by Defence Attachés in both countries and ongoing collaboration in peacekeeping, maritime security, and multilateral exercises. Canada and South Korea continue to strengthen defence industry partnerships supported by multiple frameworks, including the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Materiel Cooperation, which facilitates exchanges of technical information, personnel, and testing collaboration.

Canada and the Korean War

Canada’s contributions during the Korean War remain a foundational element of bilateral ties. Between 1950 and 1953, over 26,000 Canadians served in Korea, with 516 making the ultimate sacrifice – 381 of whom are interred in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan. The most well-known Canadian operations during the Korean War include the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry’s participation in the Battle of Kapyong, and the Royal Canadian Regiment’s involvement in the Battle of Hill 187. Today, commemorative activities—including annual veteran visits sponsored by the Korean Veterans Association of Korea and South Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs—honour this legacy. The Canadian Defence Relations Office, on behalf of Veteran's Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence, supports the commemorative activities. These historical ties continue to shape Canada’s enduring commitment to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.

Contact information

Defence Relations
Office of the Canadian Defence Attaché

Tel.: 822‑3783‑6251
Fax: 822‑3783‑6139
Email: seoul-dr@international.gc.ca

People-to-people ties

Canada and South Korea share deep people-to-people ties rooted in historical connections and strengthened by growing immigration, tourism, and education exchanges. Over 218,000 Canadians identify as being of Korean origin, and more than 27,000 Canadians currently reside in South Korea. South Korea is a top source of international students in Canada, with over 15,000 South Korean students enrolled in 2025. Meanwhile, the 2024–2025 Canada-Korea Year of Cultural Exchanges has showcased vibrant cultural programming and creative industry partnerships in both countries.

Youth mobility is a cornerstone of people-to-people engagement. The renewed Canada–Korea Youth Mobility Arrangement, signed in May 2023, allows citizens aged 18 to 35 to work and travel in each other’s countries. South Korean youth can participate in up to three streams, while Canadian youth apply through South Korea’s equivalent program.

Climate and environment cooperation

Canada and South Korea are working closely to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, as well as transition to sustainable energy sources, enhancing low-carbon fuel-supply chains, while simultaneously collaborating to support clean technology commercialisation to achieve our shared goals. Both countries have committed to reducing emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement. They are also aligned under the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework to halt biodiversity loss by 2050. Bilateral cooperation is supported through the Environmental Affairs Council (EAC), established under the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement, which facilitates regular technical and policy exchanges between Environment and Climate Change Canada, Korea’s Ministry of Environment, and other agencies. A Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Change Cooperation signed in December 2023, as well as regular Climate Change Dialogues further strengthen collaboration.

Partnerships and organizations

To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and the Republic of Korea work closely in multilateral fora, such as:

Date modified: