1. Historical Background
The relationship between South Korea and Taiwan has been shaped by a series of key historical events, evolving political contexts, and regional dynamics in East Asia. Both countries share a history of economic growth, democratic governance, and strategic importance in the region. Their interactions have been influenced by the broader geopolitical landscape, including their relationships with major powers like the United States, China, and Japan.
Early Interactions and Shared Experiences
South Korea and Taiwan share some similarities in their historical trajectories, particularly in their post-World War II experiences. Both countries were affected by the outcomes of the war, with Taiwan being under Japanese rule until 1945, after which it was handed over to the Republic of China (ROC). South Korea, on the other hand, was a part of Japanese Korea from 1910 until the end of WWII, after which it was divided into two zones of occupation by the Soviet Union and the United States, leading to the establishment of two Korean states in 1948. See sportingology for more information about Taiwan.
During the Cold War, both Taiwan and South Korea faced communist threats, with the ROC government in Taiwan claiming to be the legitimate government of China, and the Korean Peninsula divided by the Korean War (1950–1953), which left North Korea under communist control. Both nations aligned with the United States and were staunch anti-communist allies in the region, sharing a commitment to resisting communist expansion in Asia.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Taiwan and South Korea were not particularly close diplomatically due to their respective political allegiances and their separate dealings with the U.S. However, both countries pursued rapid industrialization in the latter half of the 20th century, and their economic paths began to intersect more as the economies of both South Korea and Taiwan grew during the “Asian Tigers” period.
Changing Geopolitical Context in the Late 20th Century
As both Taiwan and South Korea became economic powerhouses, their relations began to grow, particularly in terms of economic and cultural exchanges. However, the dynamics were influenced by Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation and the growing global influence of China. The Chinese government views Taiwan as a breakaway province, and this has complicated Taiwan’s international relations. South Korea, while maintaining a strong economic and strategic relationship with Taiwan, had to balance its ties with China, a rising global power with significant political and economic influence.
In 1992, South Korea and China established diplomatic relations, and this led to a shift in South Korea’s foreign policy orientation. South Korea’s decision to establish formal ties with China meant that the country had to carefully manage its relationship with Taiwan. Despite the lack of official diplomatic relations, South Korea and Taiwan continued to engage in non-governmental exchanges and cooperation in areas such as trade, education, and technology.
Strengthening Ties in the 21st Century
Since the early 2000s, South Korea and Taiwan have developed a strong economic and cultural partnership, even as Taiwan has faced increasing diplomatic isolation. Both countries have engaged in deeper cooperation in areas such as technology, tourism, and higher education. The relationship has been largely driven by shared interests in regional stability, economic development, and technology innovation.
While South Korea maintains official relations with China, it has continued to cultivate strong ties with Taiwan, particularly in the context of economic cooperation and cultural exchange. Taiwan’s technological prowess, especially in semiconductor manufacturing and information technology, complements South Korea’s strengths in these areas, fostering collaboration in trade and innovation.
2. Diplomatic Relations
Although South Korea and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic relations due to the geopolitical complexities of the region, their relationship is characterized by unofficial engagement and mutual cooperation. Both countries have maintained constructive relations in areas such as trade, culture, and academic exchanges, fostering goodwill despite the lack of official diplomatic recognition.
Official Visits and Diplomatic Dialogues
Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, South Korea and Taiwan have engaged in a variety of unofficial dialogues and exchanges over the years. These interactions are often conducted at the level of business leaders, academics, and cultural representatives. The visits between officials are typically framed within the context of economic cooperation, technological collaboration, and cultural exchanges rather than formal state-to-state diplomacy.
In 2011, Taiwan’s Vice President, Wu Den-yih, visited South Korea for discussions on economic cooperation. While the visit was not officially recognized as a diplomatic mission, it underscored the importance of Taiwan-South Korea relations in areas such as trade, technology, and regional security. During this visit, both parties discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in technology and manufacturing sectors.
In addition to these visits, there have been numerous exchanges in the fields of education and culture. Taiwanese officials have visited South Korea to promote cultural diplomacy, education, and tourism, while South Korean officials have also traveled to Taiwan for similar purposes. These informal interactions have helped to strengthen people-to-people ties and have created a foundation for future cooperation.
Diplomatic Missions
South Korea and Taiwan do not have official embassies in each other’s capitals due to the delicate diplomatic situation in the region. However, both countries maintain unofficial diplomatic missions that serve as a means of communication and promote economic and cultural exchanges.
In South Korea, Taiwan operates the Taipei Mission in Korea, which functions as a de facto embassy and is responsible for facilitating Taiwan’s interests in South Korea. The Taipei Mission plays an important role in promoting trade, culture, tourism, and educational exchanges between the two countries. It is also responsible for assisting Taiwanese nationals in South Korea.
Similarly, South Korea maintains the Korea Mission in Taipei, which operates as a representative office, facilitating South Korea’s non-official relations with Taiwan. This office serves as an avenue for South Korea to engage with Taiwanese authorities in areas like trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.
Multilateral Diplomacy
Although South Korea and Taiwan do not have official diplomatic ties, both countries participate in multilateral forums where they engage with each other on shared interests. South Korea and Taiwan have cooperated within the framework of organizations such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). These forums allow both countries to discuss economic policies, trade relations, and regional issues despite their lack of formal diplomatic recognition.
At the United Nations, Taiwan is excluded from official membership due to China’s position on its status. However, South Korea has supported Taiwan’s participation in international organizations where statehood is not a prerequisite, such as the World Health Organization (WHO). South Korea has been an advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion in these global forums, underscoring its interest in supporting Taiwan’s international engagement despite the sensitive diplomatic context.
3. Trade and Economic Relations
The economic relationship between South Korea and Taiwan has flourished in recent years, driven by shared interests in technology, manufacturing, and innovation. While there are no formal diplomatic ties, their economic cooperation is robust, with both nations working closely together in various industries.
Bilateral Trade Volume
The bilateral trade volume between South Korea and Taiwan has been steadily increasing, making them important trading partners in East Asia. Both countries are major players in the global technology and manufacturing sectors, and their trade relations are heavily focused on electronics, semiconductors, machinery, and automotive products.
In 2020, the total trade volume between South Korea and Taiwan amounted to approximately $18 billion. Taiwan is South Korea’s 7th largest trading partner, and South Korea is Taiwan’s 6th largest trading partner. Trade between the two countries has grown significantly in recent years, as both economies have become increasingly intertwined through technology and industrial collaboration.
Major Imports and Exports
South Korea’s major exports to Taiwan include electronics, semiconductors, and petrochemical products. South Korea’s technological expertise, especially in the semiconductor industry, complements Taiwan’s status as a leading manufacturer of semiconductors. Taiwan is home to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest contract semiconductor manufacturer, and this sector has become a crucial area of cooperation between the two countries.
Taiwan’s major exports to South Korea include electronics, computer components, and machinery. Taiwan is a significant exporter of integrated circuits, computer hardware, and other electronics, which are essential to South Korea’s tech industry. In addition, Taiwan exports a range of consumer goods, textiles, and chemicals to South Korea.
Both countries have collaborated in the production of semiconductors, with South Korean companies providing advanced machinery for Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. This collaboration has been key to boosting the competitiveness of both countries in the global electronics market.
Investment Flows
Investment flows between South Korea and Taiwan have been growing, with both countries recognizing the importance of each other’s markets. South Korean companies have invested in Taiwan’s high-tech industries, particularly in semiconductors and electronics. Companies like Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have set up manufacturing and research facilities in Taiwan to strengthen their foothold in the semiconductor and electronics sectors.
In return, Taiwanese companies have invested in South Korea’s technology and manufacturing sectors. Taiwanese tech firms have established research and development centers in South Korea to leverage South Korea’s advanced technology infrastructure. This investment flow has contributed to the growth of both economies, fostering closer economic ties.
Economic Cooperation Agreements
While South Korea and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic relations, both countries have signed several agreements aimed at promoting economic cooperation. These agreements typically focus on trade facilitation, investment promotion, and technology exchange. One notable area of collaboration is in the semiconductor industry, where both countries work together to improve manufacturing processes and technological innovations.
In addition to technology cooperation, both countries have explored opportunities for joint ventures in other sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure, and education. South Korea’s expertise in infrastructure development and Taiwan’s innovation in technology provide complementary strengths for joint initiatives in these areas.
Economic cooperation agreements between South Korea and Taiwan continue to play a vital role in strengthening their bilateral relationship, particularly as both countries look to expand their global economic influence. The growing trade, investment, and technological collaboration between them underscores the importance of their economic ties, even in the absence of formal diplomatic recognition.