South Korea–Sri Lanka relations

South Korea–Sri Lanka relations refer to the bilateral diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Formal diplomatic ties were established on 14 November 1977. Since then, the two countries have developed cooperative relations in trade, development, labor migration, and cultural exchange.

Diplomatic relations between South Korea and Sri Lanka were officially established in 1977. Bilateral ties have gradually strengthened over the years, with high-level exchanges and growing economic cooperation.

In April 2012, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak visited Sri Lanka and held talks with President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The two leaders signed several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to enhance cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and e-government. President Lee also recognized the contributions of over 20,000 Sri Lankan workers in Korea.

In September 2023, during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. South Korea pledged support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery plan and proposed expanding employment opportunities for Sri Lankan youth, as well as cooperation on climate change.

Trade between South Korea and Sri Lanka has expanded, though the balance has typically favored South Korea.

In 2023, Sri Lanka exported goods worth US$76.9 million to South Korea, including:

• Coconut and other vegetable fibers (US$8.66 million)
• Non-knit women's suits (US$6.93 million)
• Activated carbon (US$6.25 million)

Conversely, South Korea exported US$210 million worth of goods to Sri Lanka, including:

• Refined petroleum (US$44.9 million)
• Synthetic rubber (US$19.1 million)
• Rubberized knitted fabric (US$14.4 million)

Since 1987, South Korea has provided over US$900 million in official development assistance to Sri Lanka. A 2020–2022 framework agreement allowed Sri Lanka to receive up to US$500 million in soft loans from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF). Korean institutions such as the Saemaul Foundation and the have supported rural development programs.

As of the early 2020s, approximately 25,000 Sri Lankans are employed in South Korea through the (EPS). In 2019, remittances from Sri Lankan workers in Korea amounted to US$520 million.

The EPS Center in Colombo coordinates recruitment and training with the South Korean government.

According to a 2024 report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Asia-Pacific office, Sri Lankan migrant workers in South Korea have comparatively higher job retention and wage satisfaction compared to those in other OECD countries.

Cultural exchanges have increased steadily. Hallyu, including K-pop, , and Korean cuisine, has become popular in Sri Lanka. Korean culture festivals and language programs are held regularly in Colombo and other cities.

In 2023, the Korea Foundation opened a Korean Studies program in collaboration with the University of Colombo, promoting Korean language and international studies.

• Foreign relations of South Korea
• Foreign relations of Sri Lanka
• Sri Lankan diaspora
• Korea Foundation

• Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Sri Lanka
• Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Republic of Korea
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka
• KOTRA – Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (Sri Lanka office info)
• Government of the Republic of Korea – Official Website (Korea.net)