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{{Infobox bilateral relations|Israel–South Korea|Israel|South Korea|filetype=svg}} {{Short description|Bilateral relations between Israel and South Korea}}
{{Infobox bilateral relations|Israeli–South Korean|Israel|South Korea|filetype=svg|map=Israel South Korea Locator.svg|mission1=Embassy of Israel, Seoul|mission2=Embassy of South Korea, Tel Aviv}}


'''Israel–South Korea relations''' refers to the diplomatic, commercial and cultural ties between ] and ]. South Korea has maintained relations with Israel since 1948,<ref name="korea"/> and in 1962 both states initiated official diplomatic relations. Israel and South Korea have expressed interest in strengthening the relationship in all areas, particularly defence, but also renewable energy, science and technology, and bilateral trade.<ref name="jpost.com">{{cite news |last=Cashman |first=Greer Fay |date=21 March 2011 |url=https://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/South-Korea-sees-Israel-as-partner-in-security-and-peace |title=South Korea sees Israel as partner in security and peace |newspaper=] |access-date=3 May 2019}}</ref> Israel and South Korea signed a ] in 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Odenheimer|first=Alisa|date=9 May 2021|title=Israel, South Korea to Sign Free Trade Agreement|work=]|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-09/israel-south-korea-to-sign-free-trade-agreement|access-date=29 May 2021}}</ref> '''Israel–South Korea relations''' refers to the diplomatic, commercial and cultural ties between the ] and the ]. South Korea has maintained relations with Israel since 1948,<ref name="korea"/> and in 1962 both states initiated official diplomatic relations. Israel and South Korea have expressed interest in strengthening the relationship in all areas, particularly defence, but also renewable energy, science and technology, and bilateral trade.<ref name="jpost.com">{{cite news |last=Cashman |first=Greer Fay |date=21 March 2011 |url=https://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/South-Korea-sees-Israel-as-partner-in-security-and-peace |title=South Korea sees Israel as partner in security and peace |newspaper=] |access-date=3 May 2019}}</ref> Israel and South Korea signed a ] in 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Odenheimer|first=Alisa|date=9 May 2021|title=Israel, South Korea to Sign Free Trade Agreement|work=]|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-09/israel-south-korea-to-sign-free-trade-agreement|access-date=29 May 2021}}</ref>


Israel recognizes the Republic of Korea as the sole legitimate government in the ] and has never recognized the legitimacy of ], which has also never recognized Israel. Israel recognizes the Republic of Korea as the sole legitimate government in the ] and has never recognized the legitimacy of ], which has also never recognized Israel.


==Early history== ==Early history==
] ]
Korea and Israel established official diplomatic relations on April 10, 1962.<ref name="ROK_Israel" /><ref name="Israel_ROK"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313165337/http://www.mofat.go.kr/english/regions/meafrica/20070824/1_1357.jsp |date=2013-03-13 }} accessed May 4, 2010</ref> However, relations began immediately following the outbreak of the ] in 1950. ], the Israeli Prime Minister at the time, supported sending Israeli troops to join UN forces in Korea. However, the political party ] was opposed to such measures as it favoured relations with ] over the South. As a compromise, instead of sending troops, the government sent $100,000 in medical and food supplies to the South Korean government.<ref name="korea"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117021911/http://israelcfr.com/documents/4-3/4-3-6-YoungSamMa.pdf |date=2012-01-17 }}.</ref> Korea and Israel established official diplomatic relations on April 10, 1962.<ref name="ROK_Israel" /><ref name="Israel_ROK"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313165337/http://www.mofat.go.kr/english/regions/meafrica/20070824/1_1357.jsp |date=2013-03-13 }} accessed May 4, 2010</ref> However, relations began immediately following the outbreak of the ] in 1950. ], the Israeli Prime Minister at the time, supported sending Israeli troops to join UN forces in Korea. However, the then-ruling party ] was opposed to such measures as it favoured relations with ] over the South. As a compromise, instead of sending troops, the government sent $100,000 in medical and food supplies to the South Korean government.<ref name="korea"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117021911/http://israelcfr.com/documents/4-3/4-3-6-YoungSamMa.pdf |date=2012-01-17 }}.</ref>


The resolution of the Korean War strengthened relations between Israel and South Korea. Israel shifted its founding foreign policy of non-identification with aligning itself with the United States and United Nations. The relationship started less than two years after the founding of both nations.<ref name="korea"/> The resolution of the Korean War strengthened relations between Israel and South Korea. Israel shifted its founding foreign policy of non-identification with aligning itself with the United States and United Nations. The relationship started less than two years after the founding of both nations.<ref name="korea"/>


==Historic relations== ==Historic relations==
Israel opened its embassy in ] in August 1964. Israel aided South Korea in establishing infrastructure in areas of agriculture, water, and security industry. The ] purchased large amounts of Israeli weapons, including ]. In 1966, delegations from both nations visited each other.<ref name="JC">{{cite web|url=http://www.jcpa.org/jpsr/jpsr-cohen-s06.htm|title=The Improvement in Israeli-South Korean Relations|last=Cohen|first=Yaacov|date=Spring 2006|publisher=]|access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref> Israel opened its embassy in ] in August 1964. Israel aided South Korea in establishing infrastructure in areas of agriculture, water, and security industry. The ] purchased large amounts of Israeli weapons, including ]. In 1966, delegations from both nations visited each other.<ref name="JC">{{cite web|url=http://www.jcpa.org/jpsr/jpsr-cohen-s06.htm|title=The Improvement in Israeli-South Korean Relations|last=Cohen|first=Yaacov|date=Spring 2006|publisher=]|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-date=4 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061004080040/http://www.jcpa.org/jpsr/jpsr-cohen-s06.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>


In February 1978, the Israeli government closed its embassy in ]. The ] and ] influenced South Korea government's policies towards Israel. Temporarily, South Korea began to favour the neighbours of Israel over the state of Israel.<ref name="ROK_Israel"> accessed May 4, 2010</ref><ref name="JC" /> In February 1978, the Israeli government closed its embassy in ]. The ] and ] influenced South Korea government's policies towards Israel. Temporarily, South Korea began to favour the neighbours of Israel over the state of Israel.<ref name="ROK_Israel"> accessed May 4, 2010</ref><ref name="JC" />
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In October 2017, the Israel Innovation Authority published a report recommending deeper cooperation between the two countries' tech sectors given complementary advantages between the two economies. “By virtue of the complementary comparative advantages between Israeli and Korean innovation, great commercial potential exists at the point of interface between the two countries."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/south-korea-and-israel-complement-each-other-in-tech-report-says/ |title=South Korea and Israel complement each other in tech, report says |newspaper=] |last=Solomon |first=Shoshanna |date=October 2, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref> In October 2017, the Israel Innovation Authority published a report recommending deeper cooperation between the two countries' tech sectors given complementary advantages between the two economies. “By virtue of the complementary comparative advantages between Israeli and Korean innovation, great commercial potential exists at the point of interface between the two countries."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/south-korea-and-israel-complement-each-other-in-tech-report-says/ |title=South Korea and Israel complement each other in tech, report says |newspaper=] |last=Solomon |first=Shoshanna |date=October 2, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref>


Israel and South Korea signed a ] in August 2019, Israel's first free trade agreement with an East Asian country and South Korea's first tariff-free agreement with a Middle Eastern nation. This agreement took effect by the end of 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New S.Korea-Israel free trade agreement comes into effect |url=https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-725034 |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=i24NEWS |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy/1664425713-israel-s-korea-free-trade-deal-to-take-effect-december-1 |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=www.i24news.tv}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Haskel |first=Adam |date=2022-09-29 |title=Israel-South Korea free trade agreement passes final hurdle |url=https://www.jns.org/israel-south-korea-free-trade-agreement-passes-final-hurdle/ |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=JNS.org |language=en-US}}</ref> Israel and South Korea signed a ] in August 2019, Israel's first free trade agreement with an East Asian country and South Korea's first tariff-free agreement with a Middle Eastern nation. This agreement took effect by the end of 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New S.Korea-Israel free trade agreement comes into effect |url=https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-725034 |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |date=17 December 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=i24NEWS |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy/1664425713-israel-s-korea-free-trade-deal-to-take-effect-december-1 |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=www.i24news.tv}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Haskel |first=Adam |date=2022-09-29 |title=Israel-South Korea free trade agreement passes final hurdle |url=https://www.jns.org/israel-south-korea-free-trade-agreement-passes-final-hurdle/ |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=JNS.org |language=en-US}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+Israel - Korea trade in millions USD-$ <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=סחר החוץ לפי ארצות בשנת 2023 |url=https://www.cbs.gov.il/he/mediarelease/pages/2024/%D7%A1%D7%97%D7%A8-%D7%94%D7%97%D7%95%D7%A5-%D7%9C%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%A6%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%AA-2023.aspx |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=www.cbs.gov.il |language=he-IL}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=סחר החוץ לפי ארצות בשנת 2020 |url=https://www.cbs.gov.il/he/mediarelease/pages/2021/%D7%A1%D7%97%D7%A8-%D7%94%D7%97%D7%95%D7%A5-%D7%9C%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%A6%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%AA-2020.aspx |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=www.cbs.gov.il |language=he-IL}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=סחר החוץ לפי ארצות בשנת 2017 |url=https://www.cbs.gov.il/he/mediarelease/Pages/2018/%D7%A1%D7%97%D7%A8-%D7%94%D7%97%D7%95%D7%A5-%D7%9C%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%A6%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%AA-2017.aspx |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=www.cbs.gov.il |language=he-IL}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=סחר החוץ לפי ארצות בשנת 2014 |url=https://www.cbs.gov.il/he/mediarelease/Pages/2015/%D7%A1%D7%97%D7%A8-%D7%94%D7%97%D7%95%D7%A5-%D7%9C%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%A6%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%AA-2014.aspx |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=www.cbs.gov.il |language=he-IL}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=סחר החוץ של ישראל לפי ארצות בשנת 2011 |url=https://www.cbs.gov.il/he/mediarelease/Pages/2012/%D7%A1%D7%97%D7%A8-%D7%94%D7%97%D7%95%D7%A5-%D7%A9%D7%9C-%D7%99%D7%A9%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%9C-%D7%9C%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%A6%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%AA-2011.aspx |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=www.cbs.gov.il |language=he-IL}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=סחר החוץ של ישראל לפי ארצות בשנת 2011 |url=https://www.cbs.gov.il/he/mediarelease/Pages/2012/%D7%A1%D7%97%D7%A8-%D7%94%D7%97%D7%95%D7%A5-%D7%A9%D7%9C-%D7%99%D7%A9%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%9C-%D7%9C%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%A6%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%AA-2011.aspx |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=www.cbs.gov.il |language=he-IL}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=סחר החוץ לפי ארצות בשנת 2008 |url=https://www.cbs.gov.il/he/mediarelease/Pages/2009/%D7%A1%D7%97%D7%A8-%D7%94%D7%97%D7%95%D7%A5-%D7%9C%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%A6%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%AA-2008.aspx |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=www.cbs.gov.il |language=he-IL}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=סחר החוץ לפי ארצות בשנת 2005 |url=https://www.cbs.gov.il/he/mediarelease/Pages/2006/%D7%A1%D7%97%D7%A8-%D7%94%D7%97%D7%95%D7%A5-%D7%9C%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%A6%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%AA-2005.aspx |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=www.cbs.gov.il |language=he-IL}}</ref>
!
!{{Flag|Israel}} imports
{{Flag|South Korea}} exports
!{{Flag|South Korea}} imports
{{Flag|Israel}} exports
!Total trade value
|-
!2023
|2511.4
|1085.7
|3597.1
|-
!2022
|2796.6
|1304.2
|4100.8
|-
!2021
|2251.7
|1153.7
|3405.4
|-
!2020
|1692.7
|787.7
|2480.4
|-
!2019
|1624.6
|706.4
|2331
|-
!2018
|1515.5
|970.1
|2485.6
|-
!2017
|1141.9
|886.3
|2028.2
|-
!2016
|1316.3
|580
|1896.3
|-
!2015
|1138.2
|575.2
|1713.4
|-
!2014
|1357.2
|627.8
|1985
|-
!2013
|1513
|594
|2107
|-
!2012
|1663
|700.7
|2363.7
|-
!2011
|1607.7
|724.1
|2331.8
|-
!2010
|1100.7
|850.3
|1951
|-
!2009
|871.1
|841
|1712.1
|-
!2008
|1103.2
|818.5
|1921.7
|-
!2007
|945.4
|746.1
|1691.5
|-
!2006
|893.6
|650
|1543.6
|-
!2005
|852.7
|449.8
|1302.5
|-
!2004
|759.9
|417.7
|1177.6
|-
!2003
|579.8
|286.9
|866.7
|-
!2002
|512.4
|317.2
|829.6
|}


==Military relations== ==Military relations==
Israel has sold drones to South Korea, including the ] ]. South Korea was competing with Italy's ] in a tender to supply training aircraft to the ]. The Korean Airforce had accused Israel of giving Italy preferred treatment since negotiations began. In January 2012, the South Korean government offered its final industrial cooperation package in a bid to get the Israeli Defence Ministry to select ]’ ] as its next fighter trainer. Israeli Defence Ministry Chief of Staff ] flew to South Korea for talks about the purchase.<ref>{{cite news |title=Israeli Defence Chief Visits S. Korea on Jet Contract, UPI Says |author=Sungwoo Park |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-07/israeli-defense-chief-visits-s-korea-on-jet-contract-upi-says.html |newspaper=Bloomberg |date=2012-01-07 |access-date=2012-03-03}}</ref> The deal was reported worth over $1 billion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Korea issuing final proposal in IAF deal |last=Katz Israel has sold drones to South Korea, including the ] ]. South Korea was competing with Italy's ] in a tender to supply training aircraft to the ]. The Korean Airforce had accused Israel of giving Italy preferred treatment since negotiations began. In January 2012, the South Korean government offered its final industrial cooperation package in a bid to get the Israeli Defence Ministry to select ]’ ] as its next fighter trainer. Israeli Defence Ministry Chief of Staff ] flew to South Korea for talks about the purchase.<ref>{{cite news |title=Israeli Defence Chief Visits S. Korea on Jet Contract, UPI Says |author=Sungwoo Park |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-07/israeli-defense-chief-visits-s-korea-on-jet-contract-upi-says.html |newspaper=Bloomberg |date=2012-01-07 |access-date=2012-03-03}}</ref> The deal was reported worth over $1 billion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Korea issuing final proposal in IAF deal |last=Katz
|first=Yaakov |url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=254415 |newspaper=] |date=2012-01-20 |access-date=2012-03-03}}</ref> The Italians were the eventual winners, in a decision likely to upset South Korea.<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel opts for Italian training plane over South Korean competitor |last1=Harel |first1=Amos |last2=Cohen |first2=Gili |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-opts-for-italian-training-plane-over-south-korean-competitor-1.413639 |newspaper=] |date=2012-02-20 |access-date=2012-03-03}}</ref> South Korea has also expressed interest in purchasing Israel's ], but that sale was now seen as under threat.<ref>{{cite news |title=Billion Dollar Weapons Sale to Asia |author=Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu |url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/151539 |work=] |date=2012-01-09 |access-date=2012-03-03}}</ref> On August 15, 2014, South Korea again expressed their interest in the Iron Dome System.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/08/south-korea-eyes-israels-iron-dome/|title=South Korea Eyes Israel's Iron Dome|author=Zachary Keck, The Diplomat|work=The Diplomat |access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref> |first=Yaakov |url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=254415 |newspaper=] |date=2012-01-20 |access-date=2012-03-03}}</ref> The Italians were the eventual winners, in a decision likely to upset South Korea.<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel opts for Italian training plane over South Korean competitor |last1=Harel |first1=Amos |last2=Cohen |first2=Gili |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-opts-for-italian-training-plane-over-south-korean-competitor-1.413639 |newspaper=] |date=2012-02-20 |access-date=2012-03-03}}</ref> South Korea had also expressed interest in purchasing Israel's ], but that sale was then seen as under threat.<ref>{{cite news |title=Billion Dollar Weapons Sale to Asia |author=Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu |url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/151539 |work=] |date=2012-01-09 |access-date=2012-03-03}}</ref> On August 15, 2014, South Korea again expressed their interest in the Iron Dome System.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/08/south-korea-eyes-israels-iron-dome/|title=South Korea Eyes Israel's Iron Dome|author=Zachary Keck, The Diplomat|work=The Diplomat |access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref>

==Academic relations==
On June 2024, the ] opened a research center for Israel studies, dedicated to the study of Jewish civilization and Israeli society.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240618050713|title=Research center for Israel studies opens in Seoul|work=]|first=Kim |last=Arin|date=June 18, 2024|access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref>


==Coronavirus outbreak== ==Coronavirus outbreak==
Because of the ], more than 1,000 South Korean tourists were instructed to avoid public places and remain in isolation in their hotels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/South-Koreans-refused-entry-to-Israel-over-coronavirus-fears-618419|title=South Korean gov't summons Israeli diplomat following Israel travel ban|website=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=25 February 2020}}</ref> The Israeli military announced its intention to quarantine South Korean nationals to a military base.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/1582452056-idf-to-quarantine-200-koreans-in-jerusalem-military-facility-over-coronavirus-fears|title=IDF to quarantine 200 Koreans in Jerusalem facility over coronavirus fears|date=23 February 2020|work=i24NEWS|access-date=25 February 2020}}</ref> Many of the remaining South Koreans were rejected by hotels and were forced to spend nights at ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/south-koreans-being-shipped-out-of-israel-on-special-flights-amid-virus-fears/|title=South Koreans being shipped out of Israel on special flights amid virus fears|author=TOI staff|first=T. O. I.|work=The Times of Israel|language=en-US|access-date=26 February 2020}}</ref> An Israeli newspaper subsequently published a Korean complaint that "Israel is Treating Tourists Like Coronavirus".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.israeltoday.co.il/read/israel-is-treating-south-korea-tourists-like-coronavirus/|title=Israel is Treating Tourists Like Coronavirus|website=Israel Today|language=en-US|access-date=27 February 2020}}</ref> South Korean Foreign Minister ] has described Israel's response as "excessive".<ref>{{cite news |title=FM calls Israel's entry ban on Koreans over new coronavirus 'excessive' |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200225000068 |work=The Korea Herald |date=25 February 2020}}</ref> Public health expert Dr. ] said that Israeli politicians may be overreaching to impress voters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/02/26/809530231/israel-takes-strict-approach-to-coronavirus-control|title=Israel Takes Strict Approach To Control The Spread Of Coronavirus|website=NPR.org|language=en|access-date=27 February 2020}}</ref> Because of the ], more than 1,000 South Korean tourists were instructed to avoid public places and remain in isolation in their hotels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/South-Koreans-refused-entry-to-Israel-over-coronavirus-fears-618419|title=South Korean gov't summons Israeli diplomat following Israel travel ban|website=The Jerusalem Post|date=23 February 2020 |access-date=25 February 2020}}</ref> The Israeli military announced its intention to quarantine South Korean nationals to a military base.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/1582452056-idf-to-quarantine-200-koreans-in-jerusalem-military-facility-over-coronavirus-fears|title=IDF to quarantine 200 Koreans in Jerusalem facility over coronavirus fears|date=23 February 2020|work=i24NEWS|access-date=25 February 2020}}</ref> Many of the remaining South Koreans were rejected by hotels and were forced to spend nights at ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/south-koreans-being-shipped-out-of-israel-on-special-flights-amid-virus-fears/|title=South Koreans being shipped out of Israel on special flights amid virus fears|author=TOI staff|first=T. O. I.|work=The Times of Israel|language=en-US|access-date=26 February 2020}}</ref> An Israeli newspaper subsequently published a Korean complaint that "Israel is Treating Tourists Like Coronavirus".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.israeltoday.co.il/read/israel-is-treating-south-korea-tourists-like-coronavirus/|title=Israel is Treating Tourists Like Coronavirus|website=Israel Today|language=en-US|access-date=27 February 2020}}</ref> South Korean Foreign Minister ] has described Israel's response as "excessive".<ref>{{cite news |title=FM calls Israel's entry ban on Koreans over new coronavirus 'excessive' |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200225000068 |work=] |date=25 February 2020}}</ref> Public health expert Dr. ] said that Israeli politicians may be overreaching to impress voters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/02/26/809530231/israel-takes-strict-approach-to-coronavirus-control|title=Israel Takes Strict Approach To Control The Spread Of Coronavirus|website=NPR.org|language=en|access-date=27 February 2020}}</ref>


In 2021, the two countries approved a deal to transfer 700,000 ] from Israel to South Korea.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-07-06|title=Covid: Israel and South Korea strike Pfizer vaccine deal|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57732033|access-date=2021-07-12}}</ref> In 2021, the two countries approved a deal to transfer 700,000 ] from Israel to South Korea.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-07-06|title=Covid: Israel and South Korea strike Pfizer vaccine deal|language=en-GB|work=]|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57732033|access-date=2021-07-12}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==

Latest revision as of 12:43, 27 December 2024

Bilateral relations between Israel and South Korea Bilateral relations
Israeli–South Korean relations
Map indicating locations of Israel and South Korea

Israel
South Korea
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of Israel, SeoulEmbassy of South Korea, Tel Aviv

Israel–South Korea relations refers to the diplomatic, commercial and cultural ties between the State of Israel and the Republic of Korea. South Korea has maintained relations with Israel since 1948, and in 1962 both states initiated official diplomatic relations. Israel and South Korea have expressed interest in strengthening the relationship in all areas, particularly defence, but also renewable energy, science and technology, and bilateral trade. Israel and South Korea signed a free trade agreement in 2021.

Israel recognizes the Republic of Korea as the sole legitimate government in the Korean Peninsula and has never recognized the legitimacy of North Korea, which has also never recognized Israel.

Early history

Embassy of South Korea in Herzelia

Korea and Israel established official diplomatic relations on April 10, 1962. However, relations began immediately following the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. David Ben-Gurion, the Israeli Prime Minister at the time, supported sending Israeli troops to join UN forces in Korea. However, the then-ruling party Mapai was opposed to such measures as it favoured relations with North Korea over the South. As a compromise, instead of sending troops, the government sent $100,000 in medical and food supplies to the South Korean government.

The resolution of the Korean War strengthened relations between Israel and South Korea. Israel shifted its founding foreign policy of non-identification with aligning itself with the United States and United Nations. The relationship started less than two years after the founding of both nations.

Historic relations

Israel opened its embassy in Seoul in August 1964. Israel aided South Korea in establishing infrastructure in areas of agriculture, water, and security industry. The South Korean Army purchased large amounts of Israeli weapons, including Uzis. In 1966, delegations from both nations visited each other.

In February 1978, the Israeli government closed its embassy in Seoul. The 1973 oil crisis and 1979 oil crisis influenced South Korea government's policies towards Israel. Temporarily, South Korea began to favour the neighbours of Israel over the state of Israel.

Following a period of normalized and cooled relations between Israel and its neighbors, South Korea approved the reopening of the Israeli embassy in 1992. The two countries soon after signed agreements to fortify cooperation in the aircraft industry and the Weizmann Institute.

Economic relations

Trade between Israel and South Korea grew by a factor of six, from $148 million to about $1 billion between 1990 and 2000. Within ten years, South Korea controlled 15 percent of the Israeli market in imported automobiles and 20 percent of that for cellular telephones. Israeli exports to South Korea also grew exponentially during the same time period.

In 2001, South Korea and Israel signed a joint-agreement to establish a Research and Development fund for the purpose of developing new products.

Since the summer of 2010, an annual event, Korea Business Conference, aimed at increasing business activity between Israel and Korea, including trade, investment, and business partnerships. The conference was initiated by Itzik Yona, CEO of Yonaco Group, in cooperation with the Israel Export Institute. One of the major consequences of the conference is to increase awareness of the possibility of mutual investments between the two countries. Among other things, as a direct result of the Conference, for the first time a Korean venture capital fund invested for the first time in an Israeli venture company from Rehovot.

In August 2010, Korea Venture Investment Corp. (KVIC), a state-backed fund management company, signed a memorandum of understanding with Israel's Vertex Venture Capital (VVC) to raise a US$150 million fund, which will be used to finance joint ventures or the merger and acquisition of small and mid-size venture firms in the two countries.

In 2011, an 11-member parliamentary delegation met with Israeli President Shimon Peres at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. The delegation was led by Lee Byung-suk, former chairman of the National Assembly's Land Transport and Maritime Affairs Committee. Also present was Park Jin, former chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee.

On 11 November 2013, Korean Ambassador in Israel Kim Il-soo announced that Israel and South Korea could become an economic powerhouse, referring to hi-tech cooperation between the countries. The announcement was issued during the First Creative Economy Forum between Korea and Israel held in Tel Aviv, which featured the exposure of the Korea-Israel Hi-Tech Network - a project aimed to increase industrial collaborations in various hi-tech fields.

In October 2017, the Israel Innovation Authority published a report recommending deeper cooperation between the two countries' tech sectors given complementary advantages between the two economies. “By virtue of the complementary comparative advantages between Israeli and Korean innovation, great commercial potential exists at the point of interface between the two countries."

Israel and South Korea signed a free trade agreement in August 2019, Israel's first free trade agreement with an East Asian country and South Korea's first tariff-free agreement with a Middle Eastern nation. This agreement took effect by the end of 2022.

Israel - Korea trade in millions USD-$
 Israel imports

 South Korea exports

 South Korea imports

 Israel exports

Total trade value
2023 2511.4 1085.7 3597.1
2022 2796.6 1304.2 4100.8
2021 2251.7 1153.7 3405.4
2020 1692.7 787.7 2480.4
2019 1624.6 706.4 2331
2018 1515.5 970.1 2485.6
2017 1141.9 886.3 2028.2
2016 1316.3 580 1896.3
2015 1138.2 575.2 1713.4
2014 1357.2 627.8 1985
2013 1513 594 2107
2012 1663 700.7 2363.7
2011 1607.7 724.1 2331.8
2010 1100.7 850.3 1951
2009 871.1 841 1712.1
2008 1103.2 818.5 1921.7
2007 945.4 746.1 1691.5
2006 893.6 650 1543.6
2005 852.7 449.8 1302.5
2004 759.9 417.7 1177.6
2003 579.8 286.9 866.7
2002 512.4 317.2 829.6

Military relations

Israel has sold drones to South Korea, including the Harpy UAV. South Korea was competing with Italy's Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master in a tender to supply training aircraft to the Israeli Defence Forces. The Korean Airforce had accused Israel of giving Italy preferred treatment since negotiations began. In January 2012, the South Korean government offered its final industrial cooperation package in a bid to get the Israeli Defence Ministry to select Korean Aerospace Industries’ T-50 Golden Eagle as its next fighter trainer. Israeli Defence Ministry Chief of Staff Udi Shani flew to South Korea for talks about the purchase. The deal was reported worth over $1 billion. The Italians were the eventual winners, in a decision likely to upset South Korea. South Korea had also expressed interest in purchasing Israel's Iron Dome system, but that sale was then seen as under threat. On August 15, 2014, South Korea again expressed their interest in the Iron Dome System.

Academic relations

On June 2024, the Seoul National University opened a research center for Israel studies, dedicated to the study of Jewish civilization and Israeli society.

Coronavirus outbreak

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 1,000 South Korean tourists were instructed to avoid public places and remain in isolation in their hotels. The Israeli military announced its intention to quarantine South Korean nationals to a military base. Many of the remaining South Koreans were rejected by hotels and were forced to spend nights at Ben Gurion Airport. An Israeli newspaper subsequently published a Korean complaint that "Israel is Treating Tourists Like Coronavirus". South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha has described Israel's response as "excessive". Public health expert Dr. Hagai Levine said that Israeli politicians may be overreaching to impress voters.

In 2021, the two countries approved a deal to transfer 700,000 Pfizer vaccines from Israel to South Korea.

See also

References

  1. ^ Israel’s Role in the UN during the Korean War Archived 2012-01-17 at the Wayback Machine.
  2. ^ Cashman, Greer Fay (21 March 2011). "South Korea sees Israel as partner in security and peace". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
  3. Odenheimer, Alisa (9 May 2021). "Israel, South Korea to Sign Free Trade Agreement". Bloomberg. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  4. ^ Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs accessed May 4, 2010
  5. RoK Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Archived 2013-03-13 at the Wayback Machine accessed May 4, 2010
  6. ^ Cohen, Yaacov (Spring 2006). "The Improvement in Israeli-South Korean Relations". Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 4 October 2006. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
  7. Laila Calcali - The Second Annual Conference for Business with Korea 2011. 15 December 2011. Retrieved 17 April 2016 – via YouTube.
  8. "S. Korea, Israel ink US$150 mln venture fund deal". Retrieved 17 April 2016.
  9. Shamah, D. Israel and South Korea could be an economic powerhouse. Times of Israel. 14.11.2013.
  10. "Welcome to KOIL Business Network Portal - Korea Israel Business Network Portal". Retrieved 17 April 2016.
  11. Solomon, Shoshanna (October 2, 2018). "South Korea and Israel complement each other in tech, report says". The Times of Israel. Retrieved May 3, 2019.
  12. "New S.Korea-Israel free trade agreement comes into effect". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 17 December 2022. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  13. "i24NEWS". www.i24news.tv. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  14. Haskel, Adam (2022-09-29). "Israel-South Korea free trade agreement passes final hurdle". JNS.org. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  15. "סחר החוץ לפי ארצות בשנת 2023". www.cbs.gov.il (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  16. "סחר החוץ לפי ארצות בשנת 2020". www.cbs.gov.il (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  17. "סחר החוץ לפי ארצות בשנת 2017". www.cbs.gov.il (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  18. "סחר החוץ לפי ארצות בשנת 2014". www.cbs.gov.il (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  19. "סחר החוץ של ישראל לפי ארצות בשנת 2011". www.cbs.gov.il (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  20. "סחר החוץ של ישראל לפי ארצות בשנת 2011". www.cbs.gov.il (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  21. "סחר החוץ לפי ארצות בשנת 2008". www.cbs.gov.il (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  22. "סחר החוץ לפי ארצות בשנת 2005". www.cbs.gov.il (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  23. Sungwoo Park (2012-01-07). "Israeli Defence Chief Visits S. Korea on Jet Contract, UPI Says". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2012-03-03.
  24. Katz, Yaakov (2012-01-20). "Korea issuing final proposal in IAF deal". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 2012-03-03.
  25. Harel, Amos; Cohen, Gili (2012-02-20). "Israel opts for Italian training plane over South Korean competitor". Haaretz. Retrieved 2012-03-03.
  26. Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu (2012-01-09). "Billion Dollar Weapons Sale to Asia". Arutz Sheva. Retrieved 2012-03-03.
  27. Zachary Keck, The Diplomat. "South Korea Eyes Israel's Iron Dome". The Diplomat. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
  28. Arin, Kim (June 18, 2024). "Research center for Israel studies opens in Seoul". The Korea Herald. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  29. "South Korean gov't summons Israeli diplomat following Israel travel ban". The Jerusalem Post. 23 February 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  30. "IDF to quarantine 200 Koreans in Jerusalem facility over coronavirus fears". i24NEWS. 23 February 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  31. TOI staff, T. O. I. "South Koreans being shipped out of Israel on special flights amid virus fears". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  32. "Israel is Treating Tourists Like Coronavirus". Israel Today. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  33. "FM calls Israel's entry ban on Koreans over new coronavirus 'excessive'". The Korea Herald. 25 February 2020.
  34. "Israel Takes Strict Approach To Control The Spread Of Coronavirus". NPR.org. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  35. "Covid: Israel and South Korea strike Pfizer vaccine deal". BBC News. 2021-07-06. Retrieved 2021-07-12.

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