Strategic Perspectives on South Korean Foreign Policy in Central

Asia

Gulbаhоr Dushаevа

Аjоu University, Tаshkent, Uzbekistаn

gulbаhоrdushаevа13@gmаil.cоm

Keywords: Centrаl Аsiа, Sоuth Kоreа, Fоreign Pоlicy, Cооperаtiоn, “Republic Оf Kоreа and Centrаl Аsiа” Fоrum.

Abstract: The pаper studies the fоreign pоlicy оf Sоuth Kоreа in Centrаl Аsiа in the cоntext оf regiоnаl cооperаtiоn.

There аre аnаlyzed pаst, аnd present periоds such аs аfter the 1990s when Centrаl Аsiаn cоuntries gоt their

independence аnd current situаtiоn оf cооperаtiоn. А significаnt аspect оf the reseаrch entаils а

cоmprehensive exаminаtiоn оf the cоllаbоrаtiоn between Kоreа аnd Centrаl Аsiа, encоmpаssing bоth

bilаterаl аnd multilаterаl аspects. The Republic оf Kоreа is prоmpted tо tаke оn certаin initiаtives thаt аre

relevаnt tо its pаrtners becаuse оf the imbаlаnce in the twо-wаy cоntаct between Kоreа аnd the Centrаl Аsiаn

cоuntries. In аdditiоn, Kоreа uses multilаterаl cооperаtiоn tо fоresee pоtentiаl future pаrtnerships in impоrtаnt

dоmаins including digitаl pоlicy, heаlth, аnd the envirоnment. There is аn impоrtаnt pоint is the “Republic оf

Kоreа аnd Centrаl Аsiа” Fоrum which helps tо strаighten cооperаtiоn between Kоreа аnd Centrаl Аsiа. Аt

the lаst, there аre given future perspectives relаted tо extending the scоpe оf cооperаtiоn аnd sоme suggestiоns.

1 INTRODUCTION

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s,

Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and

Turkmenistan emerged as independent nations in

Central Asia. These countries began to assert their

domestic and foreign policies as sovereign states.

During this period, there was a growing interest in the

Republic of Korea in Central Asia. However,

initially, Korea continued to perceive these countries

as still part of the USSR, as well as the countries of

Southeast Asia.

There are various aspects of Korea's ongoing

cooperation with Central Asian countries. Firstly,

many experts highlight the advantageous economic

collaboration. From the early '90s to the mid-'90s,

Korea achieved a high level of economic

development. Korea viewed Central Asia as a

potential market for product expansion and a place to

invest capital.

Secondly, the Central Asian region is rich in

energy resources such as oil, gas, uranium, and

others. Due to Korea's need for raw materials to meet

increasing demand, Central Asia has been recognized

as an important region for the supply of potential raw

materials.

https://оrcid.оrg/0009-0003-4731-6109

Thirdly, Central Asia was of interest from the

perspective of the national policy of the Republic of

Korea. Particularly in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan,

there is a large Korean diaspora, numbering about 300

thousand people.

According to some experts, such as Bulanakova

M.F., Korea finds cooperation with Central Asian

states appealing not only because of the region's rich

resource base but also due to the unique relationship

that Korea is forming with these states within the

larger framework of Eurasian continental processes.

The structure of this collaboration invariably aligns

with the dynamics of ties between Russia and Korea,

as well as considerations for the presence of Japan

and North Korea in the area.

2 RESEАRCH METHОDOLOGY

This constitutes a qualitative analysis of Korean

policy toward Central Asian countries, spanning

distinct periods such as the 1990s and post-2000s. A

critical aspect of this analysis involves examining

relevant literature sources to gather essential

information for a thorough exploration of historical

DushÐ

revÐ

r, G.

Strategic Perspectives on South Korean Foreign Policy in Central Asia.

DOI: 10.5220/0012964200003882

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 2nd Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies (PAMIR-2 2023), pages 1273-1277

ISBN: 978-989-758-723-8

1273

processes. The deductive method is employed to

collect information, complemented by a theoretical

approach. This approach is crucial to assess the

viability and alignment of theoretical expectations

with the information collected during the course of

the analysis.

3 ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS

Typically, the initiation of official relations between

countries begins with the establishment of diplomatic

ties. Since the commencement of diplomatic relations

in 1992, Korea and the Five Central Asian Countries

have fostered a highly cooperative collaboration

based on mutually beneficial economic structures and

cultural affinities. Over this period, there have been

16 summits between the Republic of Korea (ROK)

and Uzbekistan, 14 between ROK and Kazakhstan, 5

between ROK and Turkmenistan, 2 between ROK

and Kyrgyzstan, and 3 between ROK and Tajikistan

(Korea). Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are particularly

promising and dynamically developing partners for

the Republic of Korea in Central Asia, possessing rich

natural resources and significant potential for transit

and transportation. Notably, summits between Korea

and Central Asian countries, especially Uzbekistan

and Kazakhstan, hold greater significance.

Interest in Central Asia waned somewhat due to

the financial crisis of 1997. However, since 2000,

there has been a growing trend of Korean interest in

the region. The first decade following the fall of the

USSR saw a period of limited cooperation between

the Republic of Korea and the nations of Central Asia

(M.A.). Uzbekistan emerged as Korea's most reliable

ally in Central Asia during this time, partly due to the

sizable Korean ethnic group residing in Uzbekistan.

Economic and cultural ties were established prior to

the initiation of collaboration. As economic

cooperation developed, major Korean companies

such as Daewoo and Samsung began investing in

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Daewoo concentrated its

investments mainly in Uzbekistan, particularly in the

construction of an automobile plant, while Samsung

heavily invested in the development of copper

deposits in Kazakhstan. The different marketing

policies of Daewoo and Samsung led to significant

variations in investment directions, with Daewoo's

investments being more decisive. Following the entry

of large Korean companies into Central Asia, the

Republic of Korea opened embassies in Tashkent and

Almaty, subsequently establishing cultural centers in

these countries. This laid the foundation for

educational and cultural relations.

In the 2000s, during the presidencies of Roh Moo-

hyun and Lee Myung-bak, the situation underwent a

radical change. In 2007, under the administration of

President Roh Moo-hyun, the State Comprehensive

Strategy for Promoting the Republic of Korea into

Central Asia was adopted. This marked the beginning

of what can be considered active collaboration

between the Republic of Korea and Central Asian

nations, particularly Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

(Arts Master). A notable achievement for Korea in

Central Asia is the establishment of a regional

cooperation format involving all Central Asian states

under the "C5 + 1" formula. Many experts consider

this development a significant accomplishment for

Korea's foreign policy. In the 1990s, newly sovereign

Central Asian states embarked on the journey of

statehood, leading to a certain distance between them

rather than bringing them closer. This historical trend

continues to influence interactions among Central

Asian players to this day, posing challenges to state-

building and contributing to the perception of Central

Asia as a fragmented region.

The "Central Asia - Republic of Korea" Forum

aimed to establish comprehensive collaboration

between Korea and the five Central Asian nations.

The forum, with stable dynamics, convenes annually

for participating countries to discuss crucial issues

related to the development and cooperation of Central

Asian states. The forum's significant focus areas

include social and economic development in fields

such as medicine and healthcare, green economy and

ecology, energy resources, and cooperation in culture

and interaction for the development of cooperation

between the Republic of Korea and Central Asia. The

Secretariat of the Cooperation Forum "Central Asia -

Republic of Korea" has identified six promising areas

for cooperation, namely transport and logistics,

energy, modernization and diversification of

industry, climate change and ecology, healthcare and

medicine, culture and education.

On October 25, 2022, the 15th Cooperation

Forum "Central Asia - Republic of Korea" took place

in Busan, Republic of Korea. Foreign ministers from

Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of

Korea, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan discussed

priority areas of cooperation, drawing from South

Korea's advanced experience in ensuring the socio-

economic development and well-being of the Central

Asian region. The forum participants acknowledged

the special significance of this year, marking the 30th

anniversary of diplomatic relations between the

Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea,

and the 15th anniversary of the beginning of this form

of cooperation. The cooperation results indicated

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significant achievements, with ongoing work within

the framework of various projects contributing to the

development of the region through the exchange of

technological and personnel expertise in areas such as

industry, transport and logistics, agriculture, e-

government, information technology, education,

reforestation, standardization, and human resources

development ("Yangi Oʻzbekiston").

In the current year, on November 1st and 16th, the

South Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum was

held in Turkmenistan. Co-hosted by the Korean and

Turkmenistan Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the

forum brought together foreign ministers from the

five Central Asian countries, along with

approximately 200 experts from various sectors

representing both Korea and the Central Asian

countries. Themed "Pursuing Cooperation through

the Realization of Youth’s Potentials for a

Sustainable Future of Korea and Central Asia," the

forum explored avenues for Korea-Central Asia

collaboration in areas such as transportation and

logistics, public healthcare and pharmaceuticals,

climate change and environment, information and

communications technology (ICT), education and

science, and tourism. As a result of the forum, parties

agreed to strengthen Korea-Central Asia relations and

identify avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation

(Wonju, 2023).

4 DISCUSSIONS

In the framework of the regional cooperation model

that Korea is developing in interaction with the

Central Asian states, the bilateral relations of the

Republic of Korea with these same players appear

asymmetrical and distinct. Undoubtedly, this

asymmetry is influenced by the varying attractiveness

of the resource base of a particular state and the

possibilities for industrial development in these

countries. The historical connections and impact of

the Korean minority in other Central Asian nations,

particularly Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, also hold

significant importance.

Trade turnover indicators reveal that the most

notable partners of the Republic of Korea in Central

Asia are Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan (refer to Table

1). As shown in Table 1, it is evident that the trade

turnover between the Republic of Korea and

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan forms the foundation of

Korea's economic interest in Central Asia, with the

volume of trade with these countries significantly

surpassing that with Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and

Kyrgyzstan.

Tаble 1: Expоrt аnd Impоrt between Sоuth Kоreа аnd

Centrаl Аsiаn cоuntries (USD).

Cоuntry Expоrt

Vаlue

(2022)

Impоrt

Vаlue

(2022)

Expоrt

Vаlue

(2023,

ОCT

)

Impоrt

Vаlue

(2023,

ОCT

)

Uzbekistаn 2 183

539

27 932 1 986 177 88 319

Kаzаkhstаn 1 655

098

4 869

471

1 663 150 3 252

920

Kyrgyzstаn 372 854 541 983 730 2 076

Tаjikistаn 92 676 368 101 868 165

Turkmenistаn 8 543 35 9 674 3

South Korea is considering the idea of

establishing a free trade zone with Uzbekistan to

strengthen the special status of ties and foster closer

commercial engagement with this nation. Recent

governmental meetings between both countries have

not only aimed to systematize cooperation with

Uzbekistan but also to initiate joint negotiations on

the creation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and

provide assistance to the Central Asian republic in

this direction (Khakimov, 2021).

Given the varying levels of development among

Central Asian states, Korea must tailor its cooperation

strategies, creating trajectories that align with the

different speeds of development. The focus should be

on executing targeted projects closely aligned with

the distinct development goals of each country. For

instance, during the 16th South Korea-Central Asia

Cooperation Forum in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan's

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Korean Foreign

Minister Park Jin highlighted the importance of

increasing cooperation in vital areas such as energy,

resources, supply chains, health, education, and

defense. The Korean side sought assistance from the

Uzbek side to open doors for South Korean

enterprises to actively participate in major

infrastructure projects, such as building highways. A

similar discussion took place between Korean and

Tajik partners on creating a business environment in

Tajikistan and realizing new projects in energy and

infrastructure with Korean companies. In meetings

with Turkmenistan, the Korean side sought support

for facilitating investments from South Korean

industries in key sectors, including fertilizer plants,

natural gas liquefaction, and desulfurization.

Presently, South Korean companies are actively

pursuing two projects for the construction of fertilizer

factories in the Balkan region and the city of

Turkmenabat, collectively valued at an estimated

US$2.5 billion. Hyundai Engineering Co. of South

Strategic Perspectives on South Korean Foreign Policy in Central Asia

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Korea entered into a memorandum of understanding

with Turkmenistan in November for the

establishment of an ammonia and urea fertilizer plant

in the Balkan region (Wonju, 2023).

At the bilateral level of cooperation with Central

Asian countries, Korea has been successful in

utilizing the policy instruments of Official

Development Assistance (ODA). According to

Korea's Official Development Assistance, the Korean

government is enhancing the coherence and

effectiveness of assistance by synchronizing the

application cycle of partner countries' national

development strategies with its Country Partnership

Strategy (CPS). Presently, Korea's ODA core partner

countries number 27, and among them, Uzbekistan is

included as one of the recipient countries. These

funds are allocated to the social infrastructure and

services sector (including education, health, water

supply, government and civil society, and other

sectors). The next sector is the economic

infrastructure sector, with more foreign aid allocated

mainly to transport, energy, communication, finance,

and business sectors (ODA Korea).

Figure 1: Оrgаnizаtiоn fоr Ecоnоmic Cо-оperаtiоn аnd

Develоpment.

Apart from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan,

Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan are also

recipients of official assistance from Korea, albeit on

a relatively smaller scale. While the Korean

International Cooperation Agency has a presence in

Kyrgyzstan, its operations are notably smaller

compared to the agency’s activities in Uzbekistan.

The primary focus in Kyrgyzstan is to provide

support for local projects.

South Korea is actively positioning itself as a

noteworthy participant seeking to strengthen its

presence in Central Asia, amidst the involvement of

major international powers such as China, Russia, and

the United States, as well as significant regional

players like Turkey, Iran, India, and the Gulf Arab

monarchies.

The prior engagements between Seoul and the

Central Asian nations, namely Kazakhstan,

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and

Uzbekistan, highlight the necessity for these countries

to diversify their commercial and trade partnerships.

This imperative is driven by the increasing influence

of Chinese and Russian enterprises, prompting

Central Asian nations to attract foreign investors and

broaden their economic horizons (Bifolchi, 2023).

Observing the development trends in Central

Asia-Korea cooperation, it becomes evident that

relations are strengthening year by year. South Korea

stands as a reliable partner for Central Asian

countries, with a particular focus on Uzbekistan and

Kazakhstan. The engagement between Korea and

Central Asian nations is structured through regional

cooperation in the C5+1 format and through direct

bilateral interactions. The success of Korea in this

context can be attributed to its ability to accumulate a

shared understanding of the challenges faced by

Central Asian countries and to develop collaborative

approaches to address them.

If the meetings in the C5+1 format are elevated to

the level of heads of state, they can lead to the

resolution of regional problems and the strengthening

of bilateral relations with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,

Turkmenistan, as well as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

The multilateral and bilateral relationships that

Korea has fostered with regional countries hold the

potential for robust ties with Central Asia in the

forthcoming decades. For the countries in this region,

Korea serves as an exemplary model for achieving

economic development and establishing a resilient

democracy. The process of learning new techniques

and embracing contemporary, progressive strategies

can prove instrumental for their own development.

Conversely, Korea sees a valuable opportunity to

apply its engineering and manufacturing expertise

and showcase its companies on the global stage

through engagement with this region. Furthermore,

any shifts in Korean politics, especially with regard to

liberal approaches, could impact the dynamics of

these relationships.

5 CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the post-Soviet independence of

Central Asian nations marked the beginning of a

dynamic partnership with the Republic of Korea. This

relationship has evolved significantly since the early

1990s, driven by economic, resource-based, and

cultural interests. Korea's initial perception of these

countries as remnants of the USSR shifted as the

strategic importance of Central Asia became evident.

The rich energy resources and emerging markets in

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, along with the presence

of a significant Korean diaspora, made these

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countries particularly attractive to Korean investors.

Over the years, Korea has leveraged its economic

growth to forge robust trade and investment links,

with major companies like Daewoo and Samsung

playing pivotal roles. The establishment of diplomatic

relations and cultural exchanges has further solidified

Korea's presence in the region.

As we move into the 21st century, Korea's

engagement with Central Asia has deepened,

especially under the strategic frameworks developed

during the presidencies of Roh Moo-hyun and Lee

Myung-bak. The adoption of the State

Comprehensive Strategy for Promoting Korea into

Central Asia in 2007 marked a significant milestone,

reflecting a more structured and proactive approach

to cooperation. Forums like the "C5+1" have been

instrumental in addressing regional challenges and

fostering multilateral collaboration. Korea's ongoing

commitment to development assistance, exemplified

by projects in transport, energy, and healthcare,

underscores its role as a reliable partner. This

multifaceted relationship is poised to strengthen

further, providing mutual benefits and positioning

Korea as a key player in the socio-economic

development of Central Asia.

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