In 2013, the United States and South Korea celebrated 60 years of allegiance. The expansive relationship that exists between the two nations is based on common values and interests of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The two countries cooperate on the basis of combatting regional and global threats, in addition to strengthening their respective economies. Having joined the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) in 1996, South Korea’s economy has continually evolved, making trade and investment important aspects of the U.S. – South Korea relationship. South Korea is now the sixth-largest goods trading partner with the United States. The nation’s trillion-dollar economy has benefited from U.S. firms investing abroad, and South Korea, in return, has made significant investments in the Unites States. There are large-scale flows of manufactured goods, agricultural products, services, and technology between the two democratic nations.

On March 15, 2012, the Korea – U.S. Free Trade Agreement was signed and implemented, with the goal of increasing exports by billion of dollars annually for both countries, in addition to creating new export-related jobs. In recent years, the alliance between the United States and South Korea has expanded into a comprehensive global partnership, and South Korea’s role as a regional and global leader has continued to mature, as is exemplified in their hosting the 2010 G20 Summit. Additionally, cultural and social ties between the peoples of the United States and South Korea continues to grow. South Korea, on a per capita basis, sends the highest number of students to the United States to study of any industrialized country.

This program is made possible by the World Affairs Councils of America and the Korean Economic Institute.