Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union and Permanent Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea is represented to the Kingdom of Belgium, European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and is located in Brussels, which is known as “the heart of Europe” as well as “the de facto capital of the European Union”.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Belgium and Korea in 1901, not only is Belgium familiar to Koreans with its quality chocolates, variety of beers, and the cartoon character “the Smurfs”, “A dog of Flanders”, but also has been a true friend with a longstanding friendship that contributed approximately 3,500 troops for the Korean War. The economic ties of the two countries have been recently strengthened in various fields such as chemistry, pharmaceuticals and semiconductor. In addition, the opening of the Songdo Global campus of the University of Ghent in 2014 and the opening of the Center for Korean Studies in KU Leuven in 2016 have been a bridgehead for cooperation in education, which are contributing to more brisk and vigorous exchanges among youth, especially in the arts and culture.

EU and Korea, celebrating the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, are further strengthening their strategic partnership established in 2010, through the visits of EU leaders to Korea and the successful hosting of the EU-Korea Summit (22.5.2023., Seoul). As the largest single market in the world, the EU is the 3rd largest trading partner for Korea as well as the 1st investor in Korea. In addition, it has recently become one of the most important partners in security for economy such as global supply chains of semiconductor and energy. Furthermore, Korea is the first country with which the EU signed 3 key agreements covering political, trade and security cooperation: Framework Agreement, Free Trade Agreement and Crisis Management and Participation Agreement. The EU has actively supported Korea’s efforts in establishing peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region as a close partner.

NATO and Korea have been working closely together as global partners since 2006, and Korea has strengthened its international status and role as a Global Pivotal State (GPS) by the attendance of President Yoon Suk Yeol at NATO Summit in 2022, the first time for a Korean President. Furthermore, the opening of the Permanent Mission to NATO in November 2022 served as a stepping stone to systemize and strengthen the cooperation between NATO and Korea.

Luxembourg is one of the most prosperous countries in the world with the highest GDP per capita, over 100,000 dollars. Having established diplomatic ties in 1962, the two countries continue their close relationship especially in the economic field, based on outstanding human resources and open economy.

Our Embassy will make its utmost efforts to enhance political, economic and cultural cooperation with EU, NATO, Belgium and Luxembourg, and spare no effort in ensuring safety and convenience of Koreans residing in or visiting Belgium and Luxembourg.

Thank you.