The Republic of Korea recognized Estonia on 6 September 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 17 September 1991.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Estonia resides in Helsinki. The current Ambassador Park Heung-shin presented his credentials to President Arnold Rüütel on 6. October 2005.

As of 2003, Estonia's Honorary Consul in Korea (in Seoul) is Young Hoon Lee.

The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Korea in Estonia as of February 1993 is Priit Maran, who was appointed Honorary Consul General in 2003.

Significant visits and meetings

Agreements

• Agreement on cooperation in education, science and culture (came into force 20.07.01);
  
  
• Agreement on the abolition of visa requirements (came into force 18.08.01).

Economic relations

TRADE

Total trade with Korea has steadily increased, reaching 52.7 million EUR in 2001. The balance has been negative except for 2000, when Estonia's exports to Korea were 5.6 million EUR greater than the imports.

In 2003, total trade with Korea amounted to 18.8 million EUR. Korea was Estonia’s 23rd largest trade partner. The trade balance for Estonia was negative by 31.3 million EUR in 2003.

In 2004, total trade between Korea and Estonia totalled 74 million EUR. Korea was Estonia’s 25th largest trade partner. The balance of payments was positive for Estonia by 16.4 million EUR. Estonia exported 40.7 million EUR worth of goods to Korea (18th largest). The total volume of Estonia's imports from Korea constituted 24.3 million EUR (29th largest).

Main groups of export articles (in 2004):

• Metals (ferrous metals), metal products - 85.2%
• Wood and wood products - 11.5%
• Engines and mechanical fittings, their parts - 2.3%

Main groups of import articles (in 2004):

• Textiles and textile products - 38.4%
• Engines, electrical fittings, their parts - 32.9%
• Means of transport - 14.9%

All economic figures originate from the Statistical Office of Estonia

INVESTMENTS

Korea has made smaller investments into Estonia (83 000 EUR in the hospitality and restaurants sector). Korea has also shown interest in cellulose production.

With the objective of introducing mutual investment opportunities and primarily getting acquainted with the investment situation in Estonia, the Korean Trade representation in conjunction with the Korean Trade-Investment Promotion Agency organized a business seminar in Tallinn in December 2003.

Education and Culture

Through the Korean International Co-operation Agency (KOICA), subordinated to the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, many Estonian specialists have had the opportunity of gaining further education in Korea (economics, metallurgy, television production, diplomacy, Korean language).

Every year, KOICA has offered one or two Estonian diplomats the opportunity of participating in their courses introducing Korea. Estonian students have studied (sponsored by Korea) trade promotion strategy, the system of national standards and securities, language, culture and arts in Korea.

The Tallinn Pedagogical University offers Korean language and culture courses.

Ethnic Koreans living in Estonia have their own folk dance ensemble.