The war in Ukraine does not stop, and the consequences of the Russian aggression are experienced by a number of countries. The widely understood security of nations is at risk. Strengthening cooperation between the specific countries is key.

The head of the Polish government expressed approval for the extending Polish-Korean relations in recent years. Poland perceives the partnership with the Republic of Korea as part of our international policy.

Energy security

The threat to energy security is a severe and unavoidable consequence of the war in Ukraine. Which is why Poland is taking definite steps towards securing that sector. Korean technology supplier – Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power – expressed interest in participation in the Polish Nuclear Power Programme. On 21 April 2022, it submitted an offer for constructing nuclear power plants in Poland. 

On 30 June 2022, the Minister of Climate and Environment signed an agreement with the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for energy cooperation in the area of, among others, hydrogen technology, electromobility, intelligent network, energy efficiency and peaceful use of nuclear power.

Military support

In the face of Russian aggression, strengthening cooperation between Poland and Korea in the area of defence is of utmost importance. During the past two years, the intensity of communication related to arms with the Korean side has significantly increased. In July 2022, agreements were signed for the delivery of Korean K2 tanks, K9 auto-loading guns and FA-50 planes to Poland.

Economic cooperation

Our countries have been joined by strategic partnership since 2013. Most importantly, South Korea has been Poland’s second trade partner in East Asia. Bilateral trade has significantly increased during the past two years. In 2021, trade turnover closed with an amount of USD 8.6 billion, and were higher than in 2020 by 23.6%.

The largest Polish investor outside of Europe is South Korea. The most promising sectors of investment cooperation with Korean companies include:

• telecommunications
• automotive (including electromobility and cybersecurity).

We are happy with the effects of the economic cooperation between our countries so far, and we hope to see it become even more dynamic in the years to come.