Mongolia–South Korea relations
Bilateral relations
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mongolia–South Korea relations (Mongolian: Монгол, Өмнөд Солонгосын харилцаа, Korean: 대한민국-몽골 관계) are foreign relations between South Korea and the Mongolia. South Korea has an embassy in Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia has an embassy in Seoul.
| |
 Mongolia |
 South Korea |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic mission | |
| Embassy of Mongolia, Seoul | Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Ulaanbaatar |
| Envoy | |
| Ambassador Erdenetsogtyn Sarantogos | Ambassador Kim Jong-goo |
History
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 March 1990.[1]
High-level visits
- May 1999: President Kim Dae-jung made the first ever state visit by a South Korean president to Mongolia, focusing on establishing foundational diplomatic ties and opening up early economic partnerships.[2][3]
- May 2006: President Roh Moo-hyun visited Ulaanbaatar to expand economic ties by signing bilateral agreements regarding natural resources, information technology, and labor cooperation.[4][5]
- August 2011: President Lee Myung-bak visited to upgrade the relationship to a “comprehensive partnership" that focuses on joint energy and infrastructure development.[6][7]
- July 2016: President Park Geun-hye attended the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Ulaanbaatar and held side talks on regional trade.[8][9]
- July 2026: President Lee Jae-myung made the first standalone state visit in 15 years to sign agreements on critical mineral supply chains and trade, while also attending the Naadam Festival as a guest of honor.[10][11][12]
Description
Mongolians in South Korea form the largest population of Mongolian citizens abroad.[13][14] Their numbers were estimated at 33,000 as of 2008[update].[15] In 2008, there were around 3,500 South Koreans in Mongolia.[16] Under a bilateral agreement signed in 2006, citizens of each country residing in the other are exempted from otherwise-mandatory contributions to the national pension plans of the country they reside in.[17]
In 2024, it was reported that around one in ten Mongolians had experience working in South Korea, and that a significant number of Mongolians could speak Korean.[18]
Economic cooperations
Former Prime Minister of South Korea, Han Duck-soo (2022-2025)
Former Prime Minister of Mongolia, Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene (2021-2025)
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In 2024, the two countries pledged to strengthen cooperation in climate action, cultural exchange for content creation, and urban development in Mongolia. Former Prime Minister of South Korea Han Duck-soo said:[19]
"The similarities in the languages and cultures of [South Korea and Mongolia] have elevated the bilaterial relationship remarkably so far."
Former Prime Minister of Mongolia, Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene said:[19]
"I expect [Mongolia and South Korea] to usher in a new era in terms of economy, trade and investment in the next 30 years,"
Joint projects
Resident diplomatic missions
- Mongolia has an embassy in Seoul.
- South Korea has an embassy in Ulaanbaatar.
See also
- Mongol invasions of Korea
- Mongolia–North Korea relations
- Embassy of Mongolia, Seoul
- Consulate of the Mongolia, Busan
- Embassy of South Korea, Ulaanbaatar
- Altaic languages