South Korean regional international cooperation

South Korean municipalities and regional authorities are actively pursuing international cooperation to strengthen economic, industrial, and cultural ties.

In early September, Gyeongju officials met with leadership from ASEAN-Korea, ASEAN-China, and ASEAN-Japan centers to discuss practical cooperation and exchange. The city also utilized APEC networks to engage Chinese business representatives regarding investments in nuclear energy, automotive parts, and advanced materials. Simultaneously, Jinju leaders conducted a delegation to Georgia, USA, to expand aerospace and economic ties, resulting in a memorandum of understanding between the Jinju Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Georgia Korean Chamber of Commerce.

By late September, regional efforts shifted toward tourism promotion in Japan. During Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, Daegu Metropolitan City engaged with Japanese travel agencies to develop themed travel products, while the Jeju Tourism Organization conducted business-to-business consultations focused on high-end travel, cruise tourism, and individual traveler packages. Jeju officials also met with Korean Air to discuss marketing strategies linked to increased direct flight frequencies between Jeju and Japan.