This book commemorates the 60th anniversary of the bilateral relations between the Republic of Korea and the European Union (EU), offering reflections on the past and insights into the future. Since establishing official diplomatic relations in 1963, there were few substantial exchanges between the two sides in the early period. However, the unification of Eastern and Western Europe in the 1990s, coupled with the deepening of globalization, laid the foundation for a strong partnership. This period coincided with Korea’s efforts to diversify its international relations after the successful hosting of the Seoul Olympics. Recognizing the significance of Asia, the EU articulated its “Towards a New Asia Strategy” in 1994, culminating in a Framework Agreement for Trade and Cooperation with the Republic of Korea in 1996.

Author: Kim Sihong

Jean Monnet Chair professor of EU Studies Department of the GSIAS at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), Seoul, Korea. He obtained MA and PhD in sociology from Gregorian University, Rome. Currently he is director-general of the HUFS Jean Monnet EU Centre of Excellence which is supported by the European Commission. He was president of the Korean Society of Contemporary European Studies (KSCES) in 2009. In 2013, Prof. Kim was decorated as a Cavaliere, Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (OMRI).