Ethnic Koreans in Kazakhstan
By Vice Chairperson Joy Cho in Kazakhstan
The Republic of Korea and the Republic of Kazakhstan are two very specially countries to each other. In particular, President Yoon Suk-yeol has a special regard for the country and people of Kazakhstan.
In 2021, the President of Kazakhstan adopted a joint statement on the expanded strategic partnership during a state visit with Former President Moon Jae-in.
On March 10, 2022, shortly after the successful election of President Yoon, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan sent the following congratulatory message to Yoon:
“I wish you success in your noble activities and the implementation of initiatives aimed at further prosperity of Your country and strengthening its authority in the international community. I would like to confirm our readiness to make efforts together with You to elevate the enhanced strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Korea to a higher level, which is developing in the spirit of traditional friendship and mutual support.”
Presently, Vice Chairperson Joy Cho of The Korea Post media (publisher of 3 English and 2 Korean-language publications since 1985) is currently in Kazakhstan fully covering the country.
Kazakhstan, the ninth largest country in the world, has a territory equal to the size of Western Europe.
Kazakhstan, which became independent in December 1991, has rapidly grown into an economic powerhouse in Central Asia based on its excellent national development strategy and abundant resources such as oil and gas over the past 20 years.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, Korea and Kazakhstan have deepened cooperation in various fields such as politics, economy, and culture.
In 2009, bilateral relations were upgraded to a strategic partnership, with bilateral trade reaching U$4.21 billion and Korea's cumulative investment in Kazakhstan reaching US$4 billion in 2019.
Bilateral trade turnover between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea reached a record $6.5 bilion in 2022.
Currently, about 2,500 Korean residents live in Kazakhstan, and about 200 Korean companies are actively engaged in win-win cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.
With the signing of a general visa waiver agreement in June 2014, a temporary labor agreement in September 2014, and the establishment of a direct flight route between Seoul and Astana, the capitals of both countries, in June 2015, various exchanges between the two countries are expected to increase significantly.
Kazakhstan is also an important partner in establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula and is a reciprocal partner in economic fields such as energy resources, construction, health care, and information and communication.
The new economic cooperation program "Fresh Wind," signed in April 2019, is expected to contribute to the internalization of strategic partnership through diversification of economic cooperation between the two countries.
Based on the friendly and cooperative relationship established between Korea and Kazakhstan, Korea intends to build a model of shared growth that both countries can win-win.
Korea has continued efforts to contribute to Kazakhstan's industrial diversification policy by sharing our economic growth experience.
Through various cultural exchange events such as K-Pop, Korea will expand mutual understanding between the two peoples.
Meanwhile, about 100,000 Goryeo (Korean) people living in Kazakhstan are growing into a respected minority from all walks of life.
