Doing business in the Republic of Korea

The Republic of Korea (commonly known as South Korea) has a dynamic, innovative, and fast-paced economy. It is home to some of the world’s strongest brands.

The Canada brand benefits from a positive image with Korean consumers. Canadian businesses can build partnerships with experienced South Korean companies to reduce risk when expanding internationally.

You can build on your success in South Korea to establish a brand throughout the Indo-Pacific region. We can help you do business in this exciting market.

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1 trade office | $6.9 billion in exports from Canada to Korea | 7th largest merchandise trading partner (2023)

Market overview

Top industries

Canada and South Korea share a complementary trade relationship.

South Korea has strong capabilities in:

  • semiconductors
  • electric vehicles (EVs) and EV batteries
  • other high-tech and advanced manufacturing

Canada offers Korea plenty of opportunities thanks to:

  • a talented labour force
  • tech clusters
  • natural resources
  • clean energy
  • secure access to major markets

Korea depends heavily on food imports to meet its needs. It has one of the lowest ratios for food self-sufficiency in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This means Canadian exporters can benefit from Korea’s demand for agri-food and seafood products.

Korea ranks as the world’s 8th largest energy consumer. Canadian cleantech can help the Korean government reach its goals for energy transition under its Green New Deal. 

Korea’s demographics are defined by a rapidly aging population and low birth rate. Canadian businesses can help Korea meet its needs for healthcare products and solutions based on artificial intelligence. 

South Korea is also an attractive market for industries such as:

  • agriculture and processed foods
  • automotive
  • clean technologies
  • consumer products
  • creative industries
  • defence and security
  • education
  • information and communications technologies
  • life sciences
  • oil and gas

Relations and trade agreements

Find out how your business can benefit from the Canada-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA).

Tariffs, rules and regulations

Understanding regulations and policies relevant to your export market is crucial for success.

Canadian International Innovation Program

The Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) supports Canadian companies to pursue international research and development (R&D) collaboration with South Korea on projects that have the potential for commercialization. 

Contacts

Contacts in Canada

Find out who to contact in Canada or internationally if you are a:

  • new or aspiring exporter
  • existing Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) clients, international companies, and global representatives
  • looking for general information
Contact us

Additional Government of Canada resources:

Trade offices – Republic of Korea

The Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea

Address
21, Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu,
Seoul, Seoul-teukbyeolsi, 04518
Republic of Korea

Telephone
(82-2) 3783-6000

Fax
(82-2) 3783-6147

Email
SEOUL-TD@international.gc.ca

Office hours
Mon - Fri : 08h30-17h00

Territories/responsibilities
Korea, Republic

Office closures

  • 2025-01-30
  • 2025-01-01
  • 2025-01-29
  • 2025-05-19
  • 2025-04-18
  • 2025-04-21
  • 2025-05-05
  • 2025-06-30
  • 2025-09-01
  • 2025-10-06
  • 2025-12-25
  • 2025-12-26

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Additional Information

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