Kazakhstan and Korea: Deepening an enhanced strategic partnership

Kazakh Ambassador to Korea Nurgali A. Arystanov / Courtesy of Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul

The partnership between Kazakhstan and Korea has evolved into a mature and forward-looking relationship grounded in mutual trust, shared values and a common vision for sustainable development. Over more than three decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, our two countries have built an enhanced strategic partnership that continues to expand in scope, depth and substance.

The year 2025 marked another important chapter in this journey. It was a particularly successful and dynamic year for Kazakh-Korean relations, characterized by intensive political dialogue, expanding economic cooperation and rapidly growing people-to-people ties. These developments reflect not only strong institutional engagement but also genuine mutual interest between our societies.

Political dialogue and high-level visits

High-level political dialogue remains the backbone of our bilateral relations. On July 23, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Lee Jae Myung held a telephone conversation, reaffirming their shared commitment to further strengthening multifaceted cooperation. The leaders exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral issues and emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration in political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

During the conversation, President Tokayev confirmed his readiness to visit Korea in 2026, including his participation in the Central Asia–Republic of Korea (C5+K) Summit to be held in Seoul. This forthcoming engagement underscores the forward-looking nature of our partnership and highlights Kazakhstan’s strong interest in advancing regional cooperation with Korea as a trusted and strategic partner in Central Asia.

Parliamentary diplomacy also played an important role. On Dec. 16, in Tashkent, Chairman of the Mazhilis of Kazakhstan Erlan Koshanov met with Speaker of the National Assembly of Korea Woo Won-shik on the sidelines of the Third Meeting of Speakers of the Parliaments of Central Asia and Korea, reaffirming the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue.

Economic and investment diplomacy remained equally active. On Oct. 15, Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev participated in the Alatau Rise With Kazakhstan Forum, presenting the Alatau new city project and holding meetings with Korean legislators, government officials and business leaders, highlighting cooperation opportunities from critical minerals to artificial intelligence.

In May 2025, the Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre, Renat Bekturov, visited Seoul, where the AIFC Connect event promoted financial and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Nur-Sultan Grand Mosque in Astana, Kazakhstan / Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

Trade, investment and business cooperation

Economic cooperation constitutes one of the most dynamic pillars of Kazakh-Korean relations. In 2024, Korea ranked among Kazakhstan’s top three foreign investors, with direct investment inflows into Kazakhstan amounting to $1.2 billion. Over the past two decades, gross foreign direct investment from Korea to Kazakhstan has totaled approximately $11.1 billion.

Today, 894 joint ventures with Korean capital successfully operate in Kazakhstan, including globally recognized companies such as Hyundai, Kia, Samsung, Shinhan Bank, BNK Bank, CU and POSCO. These enterprises play a vital role in key sectors ranging from automotive manufacturing and finance to retail, metallurgy, and high technology, contributing to Kazakhstan’s industrial modernization and economic diversification.

In 2025, major projects were launched, including the KIA Qazaqstan automobile plant in Kostanay, Samsung Electronics production facilities in the Karaganda Region, the Korean Medical Center in Almaty and the opening of BNK Commercial Bank.

In 2024, Korea ranked among Kazakhstan’s ten largest trading partners, with bilateral trade turnover reaching $3.1 billion.

Astana Opera House in Astana, Kazakhstan / Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

Tourism and connectivity

Tourism has emerged as an increasingly important area of bilateral cooperation and a powerful driver of people-to-people engagement. President Tokayev consistently emphasizes tourism as a strategic sector that enhances economic growth, international openness and cultural exchange.

Kazakhstan offers favorable conditions for Korean travelers, including a visa-free regime for stays of up to 30 days. Air connectivity has expanded significantly, with 20 direct passenger flights per week currently operating between our countries, served by Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, Asiana Airlines and Eastar Jet.

Tourism flows between our countries are steadily growing. During the first nine months of 2025, Kazakhstan received 41,400 Korean visitors, a 20 percent increase, while 46,500 Kazakh citizens visited Korea, reflecting 12 percent growth.

Educational ties continue to flourish as well. More than 1,500 Kazakh students are currently studying at leading Korean universities.

An integral dimension of Kazakh-Korean relations is the ethnic Korean community in Kazakhstan. Approximately 120,000 ethnic Koreans reside in our country today, contributing actively as parliamentarians, scholars, entrepreneurs and cultural figures. Their presence represents a living bridge between our nations and a powerful symbol of shared history and mutual respect.

As we look toward 2026 and beyond, Kazakhstan and Korea are well-positioned to further deepen their enhanced strategic partnership. Strong political trust, robust economic cooperation, expanding connectivity and vibrant people-to-people exchanges provide a solid foundation for future progress.

As the Korean saying goes, “Seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times.” I warmly invite Korean readers to discover Kazakhstan firsthand and experience its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes and welcoming spirit.

Together, Kazakhstan and Korea will continue to build a partnership that not only benefits our peoples but also contributes to regional stability and shared prosperity.

Nurgali A. Arystanov is the ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Korea.