Cambodia and South Korea have expressed their appreciation for the positive achievements that have resulted from their strong cooperation. Bilateral trade volume and direct investment from Korean investors in Cambodia have seen notable increases, while diplomatic relations between the two countries will mark their 30th anniversary in 2027.
Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian Senate, received a courtesy visit from Park Jung-Wook, outgoing South Korean ambassador to Cambodia, this morning July 15.
During the meeting, the ambassador highlighted that since diplomatic ties were established in 1997, Cambodia has become one of South Korea’s closest partners, both diplomatically and commercially. Over nearly three decades, many significant accomplishments have been made, including growth in bilateral trade, increased direct investment by Korean investors, the organisation of business and investment forums, regular consultations with the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) and cooperation in the fields of culture, labour, vocational training and investment project implementation.
“These advancements would not have been possible without the support and contributions from the Cambodian side,” he acknowledged.
Hun Sen expressed his satisfaction with the progress that has resulted from the excellent cooperation between the two parties, especially the continued growth in trade and investment, and the Cambodia-Korea flight connections, which were uninterrupted, even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He encouraged the Korean side to further enhance bilateral cooperation, emphasising that although Cambodia is a small country, it has strong purchasing power, importing many goods from Korea. At the same time, the number of Korean tourists visiting Cambodia has also increased significantly.
“The year 2027 will mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Cambodia–South Korea diplomatic relations. The two countries can elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership,” he added.
According to the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE), during the first half of 2025, trade between Cambodia and South Korea totalled $438.39 million — an increase of 10.7% over the same period in 2024. Of this total, Cambodia exported goods worth $151.81 million to Korea, a 2.1% decrease, while imports amounted to $286.58 million, up 18.9%.
