Lithuania–South Korea relations
Lithuania–South Korea relations refer to the cooperative relationship between Lithuania and South Korea across political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 14 October 1991, this relationship has continued to develop.
Lithuania maintains an embassy in Seoul, responsible for cooperation with South Korea in political, economic, cultural, and public diplomacy areas. South Korea operates an embassy in Vilnius and promotes business, educational, scientific, and technological exchanges through honorary consulates in cities such as Daejeon and Daegu.
The two countries are expected to continue expanding cooperation in areas such as economic and technological collaboration, cultural and tourism exchanges, and the sharing of international values.
History
Lithuania and South Korea officially established diplomatic relations on 14 October 1991, and South Korea formally recognized Lithuania's independence earlier that year, on 5 September. Initially, Lithuania's embassy in Beijing was also accredited to South Korea, but it later established a resident embassy in Seoul and strengthened its diplomatic activities. Currently, Lithuania maintains its embassy in Seoul, while South Korea operates its embassy in Vilnius, officially managing bilateral relations.
Following the establishment of diplomatic relations, ties between the two countries gradually expanded. On 24 September 1993, the South Korea–Lithuania Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments was signed in Seoul, providing an institutional framework to strengthen the investment environment. In April 2006, a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement was concluded in Seoul, creating mechanisms to reduce tax burdens for both companies and individuals.
From the 2010s onward, practical cooperation in various fields further expanded. The two countries signed a cultural cooperation agreement to promote exchanges in science, culture, and education, including collaboration in the arts, museums, exhibitions, performances, and broadcasting programs. In 2014, an honorary consulate of Lithuania was established in Daegu, and in 2025, a second honorary consulate was opened in Daejeon, enhancing business, educational, and research exchanges in regional cities.
In May 2024, the Lithuanian minister of foreign affairs visited South Korea to officially commemorate the establishment of the Lithuanian embassy in Seoul. During the visit, the minister emphasized economic and technological cooperation with South Korea and highlighted the role of Lithuania as an important link between Europe and Asia.
Political relations
Lithuania and South Korea are both based on liberal democracy and market economies, sharing common values such as human rights, the rule of law, and peace on the international stage. The two countries cooperate through international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, and maintain ongoing diplomatic communication. In particular, mutual visits and meetings between diplomats and high-ranking officials have strengthened political trust, ensuring that diplomatic cooperation between the two countries remains stable.
Economic relations
Economic relations between Lithuania and South Korea have steadily expanded since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Among the Baltic states, Lithuania is South Korea's largest trading partner, and bilateral trade has shown an increasing trend in recent years. In 2022, trade between the two countries exceeded US$500 million, and in 2023 it reached approximately US$474 million.
In the 2020s, South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy and Lithuanian officials organized multilateral meetings and business forums to promote trade and investment. Discussions have been particularly active in advanced industries such as ICT, biotechnology, energy, and laser technologies.
Tourism and human exchanges
To strengthen cooperation in tourism, the two countries signed a tourism cooperation agreement in 2023. With the growing number of South Korean tourists visiting Lithuania, exchanges through travel agencies, exhibitions, and other activities have increased. Academic, cultural, business, and youth exchange programs are also being actively promoted, and cooperation between educational institutions continues to expand.
External links
Korea, South Category:Bilateral relations of South Korea