South Korea–Turkey relations


South Korean–Turkish relations are foreign relations between South Korea and Turkey. Turkey has an embassy in Seoul, while South Korea has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate-general in Istanbul. Both countries are members of G20.

History

Early contact can be traced back to antiquity, when the Göktürks had supported ancient Goguryeo, a Korean Kingdom, during their expansion and also assisted them against Tang Chinese forces. As both Göktürks and Goguryeo were threatened by Tang China, they formed a political, economical, and military alliance. Göktürk soldiers assisted Goguryeo in many battles, including in the war against Silla, another Korean Kingdom, and Tang China; this alliance went on extended to the Balhae as well. Commerce and correspondence was also maintained through the ancient Silk Road after a part of the ancient Oghuz Turks migrated westward and settled in the lands of Anatolia.
South Korea and Turkey have enjoyed a longstanding relationship marked by strong economic, cultural, diplomatic, and touristic ties. These relations can be largely traced to the formation of the South Korean nation, when Turkey, namely the Turkish Brigade, had supported South Koreans against North Korean and Chinese forces at the Korean War. Of the 721 Turkish soldiers who fell in the battles, 462 were buried at the "Heroes' Cemetery" in Busan. Based on those mutual gestures and acts of ancient friendship, the relationship between the two nations is often referred as "Korean–Turkish brotherhood".

Economic relations

In 2013, both countries entered into a free trade agreement.

Military cooperation

The Altay tank, a newly military tank of the Turkish Armed Forces, was supported by Hyundai Rotem with technical support and assistance.

Sports

After the 3rd place match at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, South Korean and Turkish football players celebrated together and showed exemplary images of friendship and fair play. The flags of both nations were seen side by side on the stands and both teams' players saluted the crowds arm in arm, creating a friendly atmosphere that continued even long after the match.