Ivory Coast–South Korea relations
Ivory Coast and South Korea established diplomatic relations on 23 July 1961, making Ivory Coast the first African state to form official diplomatic ties with South Korea. Since then, relations have developed steadily, with ongoing cooperation in political affairs, trade, culture, and other fields.
History
In 1960, Ivory Coast gained independence from France. President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who pursued an anti-communist policy, established close relations with Western countries. The following year, on 23 July 1961, Ivory Coast also established diplomatic relations with South Korea, which was aligned with the Western bloc. This made Ivory Coast the first African country to establish formal diplomatic ties with South Korea. South Korea subsequently opened its embassy in Abidjan on 12 July 1966, while Ivory Coast established its embassy in Seoul 31 years later.
After the Ivorian Civil War, the situation in Ivory Coast deteriorated, prompting the South Korean government to dispatch several military officers to support the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country. During this period, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed South Korean diplomat Choi Young-jin as his Special Representative for Ivory Coast.
In 2014, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara visited South Korea, becoming the first head of state from Ivory Coast to do so. He held a summit meeting with South Korean President Park Geun-hye at the Blue House, during which the two leaders discussed cooperation in trade and investment, as well as collaboration in cultural and educational affairs, consular matters, and international issues. They also exchanged views on the situations on the Korean Peninsula and in Africa.
Ivorians in South Korea
A small number of Ivorians reside in South Korea, primarily for reasons such as studying, business, diplomacy, and consular work. The main point of support for Ivorians in South Korea is the Embassy of Ivory Coast in Seoul, which provides consular services to its citizens and engages in cultural and educational exchange activities. Additionally, cultural events organized by the embassy, such as the Ivory Coast National Day celebrations, are held in South Korea, promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Notable people
Gbato Seloh Samuel is an Ivorian footballer who progressed through the Osan High School and FC Seoul U-18 youth teams, signing a professional contract with FC Seoul in 2025. He is noted as an example of the K League's Homegrown Player system, which promotes players developed through local youth programs.
See also
- Foreign relations of Ivory Coast
- Foreign relations of South Korea
External links
South Korea Category:Bilateral relations of South Korea