At the onset of the pandemic in 2019, trade volume between the two countries stood at approximately US$6.54 billion, with Türkiye exporting goods worth US$886 million to South Korea and importing $5.65 billion.
"Unlike the global decline in trade volume, exchanges between the two countries rather grew, with a broader range of goods making their way into the market," said Türkiye's Ambassador to South Korea Salih Murat Tamer in an exclusive interview with AJP at the embassy in Seoul on Wednesday.
Türkiye's exports to South Korea increased to $1.05 billion the following year, despite a slight decline in imports, bringing the total trade volume to around $6.66 billion. Tamer stressed that these figures clearly show the "resilience in trade" between the two countries.
He also emphasized that the bilateral relationship between Seoul and Ankara would remain unwavering, even amidst global crises and unrest.
"What is important in the relationship between the two countries is that we remain unaffected by external and internal changes," he said. "We have maintained strong ties through all kinds of struggles and challenges," Tamer added.
Referring to South Korea as a brother country, Tamer said the two countries have shared a very close and unique relationship throughout the vortex of history.
Both countries, stemming from migratory Turks and Korean tribes of the Central Asian steppes, share linguistic and cultural similarities, despite being geographically thousands of miles apart.
The biliteral relationship was further strengthened by the deployment of Turkish soldiers to South Korea as part of the United Nations forces during the Korean War (1950-53).
The camaraderie and friendship built since then have laid the foundation for a strong diplomatic and cultural bond between the two countries, fostering mutual respect and cooperation.
Türkiye has emerged as a global leader in drone technology, with its domestically produced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as the Bayraktar TB2 and the Anka, playing a pivotal role in modern warfare and defense strategies.
South Korea has also been ramping up efforts to strengthen its anti-drone defense system to counter the increasing threats of UAVs in modern warfare, particularly from North Korea.
As South Korea invests in advanced radar systems, jamming technologies, and counter-drone weaponry, the potential for mutual collaboration in the field is "highly beneficial" to both sides, Tamer said. Türkiye's expertise in UAV development and South Korea's progress in electronic warfare and defense systems could work in tandem, creating a synergy for joint research and technological exchanges that would enhance defense capabilities and strengthen strategic ties.
"The South Korean military is apparently very keen on these drone projects," Tamer said. "Let's see what happens," he added.
In addition, Türkiye has been actively pursuing the development of its second nuclear power plant in Sinop, located on the Black Sea coast, and has been in discussions with South Korea as a potential partner for this major project, which aims to provide a stable supply of low-carbon electricity.
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) participated in a preliminary bid for the project in January last year, with plans to construct four APR-1400 reactors, known as Generation III pressurized water reactors, in the northern region of the country. They have the capacity to generate 1,400 megawatts of electricity, boasting enhanced safety features and economic efficiency from their predecessors.
KEPCO's bid demonstrates South Korea's proven expertise in nuclear technology, following the successful completion of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates, where four APR-1,400 reactors were delivered on time and within budget.
Tamer also stressed that the two countries can complement each other by leveraging each other's key strengths through their mutual partnership.
"One thing about South Koreans is their attention to detail, always meticulously checking every aspect..... This is where the Turkish mindset comes in handy. If you hesitate too long, you could miss your chances. Sometimes it's about seizing the moment. Turkish people are more inclined to move forward. These two different approaches complement each other perfectly," he explained.
Tamer also said that his country is ready to open its doors to mid-sized firms. As a regional hub for global trade, its strategic location between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East makes it an ideal gateway for South Korean companies to explore new markets.
Türkiye's skilled workforce would be helpful for them, particularly in sectors like electronics, automotive parts, renewable energy, and defense technology. In return, Türkiye would acquire South Korea's advanced manufacturing know-how and access to top-tier products.
These mutual exchanges not only strengthen the broader diplomatic relationship between the two countries but also pave the way for deeper cooperation in trade, technology, and industrial development.
He also highlighted South Korea's soft power, citing the global popularity of K-pop and the widespread appeal of its products, spanning food, cosmetics, and more.
"While the country's technological prowess offers much to learn from, I believe its soft power is even more impressive," Tamer praised.
Wrapping up the interview, he spoke about the current political turmoil here, mentioning a similar incident in his home country in 2016 when an attempted coup failed and democracy prevailed.
"I'm sure the South Korean people will get through this crisis soon, and let's continue working together on our path forward," Tamer said.
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