The partnership between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea (ROK) has steadily evolved into a robust and enduring relationship since the establishment of Sectoral Dialogue Relations in 1989, culminating in its elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2024. Today, ASEAN stands as the ROK's second-largest trading partner and third-largest investment destination. Along with this growing economic partnership, the region attracts over 9.6 million Korean visitors annually. Approximately 740,000 ASEAN nationals now reside in Korea, including 340,000 in the workforce, 140,000 students, and 70,000 marriage migrants, demonstrating the depth of ties that extend well beyond economics into broader social and cultural engagement and people-to-people linkages. The accession of Timor-Leste to ASEAN in 2025 marks a significant milestone not only expanding the ASEAN Community but also broadening opportunities for ASEAN-ROK cooperation.

In alignment with the beginning of the ASEAN-ROK CSP, the AKC organized its flagship programs, including the ASEAN Connectivity Forum, ASEAN-Korea Youth Network Workshop, and a series of programs dedicated to ASEAN Week. Notably, the AKC installed benches representing each ASEAN Member State along the ASEAN-Korea Olle trail in Jeju and inaugurated the Seoul ASEAN Hall on ASEAN Day, offering an open and accessible space to further strengthen public awareness of ASEAN and ASEAN-ROK relations.

The year 2026 opens a new chapter as the ASEAN-ROK Plan of Action (2026-2030) enters full implementation. At this juncture, the AKC will serve as a dynamic platform, implementing approximately 30 programs across traditional areas—trade, investment, tourism, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges—while advancing into emerging sectors such as digital innovation, startups, and ESG.

In the first half of this year, we will host ASEAN Panorama, an ASEAN product exhibition at the Seoul ASEAN Hall, showcasing diverse ASEAN products and enterprises to Korean audiences while deepening engagement with the region. In the second half of 2026, we will inaugurate the Jeonju ASEAN Hall in Jeonju, Jeonbuk State, broadening ASEAN-ROK engagement to local communities throughout the country. Meanwhile, we will organize the ASEAN+3 Youth Retreat Program, fostering multilateral cooperation among future generations. We will expand media understanding and public dialogue on ASEAN-ROK cooperation through the ASEAN-Korea Journalists Exchange Program.

The AKC remains committed to building a sustainable and genuine partnership between ASEAN and the ROK. We will continue expanding trade and investment, enhancing tourism, and enriching cultural and people-to-people exchanges. We welcome your continued interest and participation as we shape the future of ASEAN-ROK cooperation together.

Thank you.

Kim Jae-shin

Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre