Jordan–South Korea relations
![]() Jordan |
![]() South Korea |
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Diplomatic mission | |
Embassy of Jordan, Seoul | Embassy of South Korea, Amman |
Jordan–South Korea relations are bilateral relations between Jordan and South Korea. Jordan has an embassy in Seoul.[1] South Korea has an embassy in Amman.[2]
History
Diplomatic ties were established in July 1962, making Jordan one of the earliest Arab nations to forge relations with South Korea.[3]
King of Jordan Hussein bin Talal visited Korea from September 10 to 13, 1983, the first time that a king of Jordan and a leader of a Middle Eastern nation visited Korea.[3]
Economic relations
Bilateral trade reached approximately 822 million US dollars in 2023, with Korean vehicles making up around 70% of exports to Jordan.[4]
Despite this volume, Jordan’s share of imports from Korea is only 2.3%, and Jordanian exports to Korea are below 1%, signalling potential for growth as part of Jordan’s "Economic Modernization Vision 2023–2033".[5]
Over ten major Korean companies operate in Jordan, including Samsung, LG, and KEPCO. KEPCO’s investments in Jordan’s power sector amount to more than1.48 billion US dollars, supplying around 17% of national electricity.
Development cooperation and infrastructure
Since 1991, KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) has provided around 362 million dollars in aid, focused on education, water resources, e-governance, and institutional capacity building.
Key achievements include:
Jordan-Korea Industrial School (JOKINS) in Zarqa and Jordan-Korea Institute for Technology (JOKOTI), training thousands of technicians and engineers.[6]
KOICA’s investment in an $11 million Korea-Jordan Training Institute (KJIET) at the University of Jordan in Amman, delivering vocational training in AI, green energy, cybersecurity, and automation. Korean-led school construction and water network rehabilitation projects in Karak, Jerash, Mafraq, Irbid, and Zarqa .
Political and security alignment
Jordan has acted as a consistent supporter of peace on the Korean Peninsula, including backing South Korea in anti-terrorism initiatives.
South Korea, in turn, invests in Jordan as a regional stabilizer and supports its humanitarian role for Syrian and Palestinian refugees, donating $3 – 4 million annually, plus $6 million through UNRWA.
Korea affirms a strong two-state solution approach for the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, highlighting Jordan’s constructive role.
See also
References
- ^ "Jordan Embassy in Seoul, South Korea". embassies.net. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
- ^ "Embassy of South Korea in Amman, Jordan". embassies.info. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
- ^ a b "[Friends for decades] Jordan and Korea build on six decades of friendship". koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. 2022-12-14. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
- ^ "Korea's Ambassador Highlights Robust Ties with Jordan on National Day. - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
- ^ "Economic Modernisation Vision - Unleashing potential to build the future - Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation". www.mop.gov.jo. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
- ^ "Korea's Ambassador Highlights Robust Ties with Jordan on National Day. - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2025-07-06.