Australia–South Korea relations
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Australia–South Korea relations are foreign relations between Australia and South Korea. Both countries established diplomatic relations in May 1963.
Australia and South Korea are trading partners in the Asia Pacific region. South Korea and Australia have a relationship that has reached very high ground in the last few years. South Korea has an embassy in Canberra and Australia has an embassy in Seoul. In Australia the population of people of Korean origin is about 150,873 mainly in Sydney and Melbourne. Australia also sent 17,000 troops to Korea during the Korean War which was to defend South Korea.
According to a 2014 BBC World Service Poll, 62% of Australians view South Korea's influence positively, and with 27% view of negatively, making Australia, the most pro-Korean nation in the world.
Relations between 1884 and 1950
South Korea had little contact with Australia in these times. The Australians sent Presbyterian missionaries to Korea in these early times. Many Koreans came to Australia to learn about Christianity. Korea was known to the world as the Hermit Kingdom as they kept their shores from outsiders who wished to trade with them. Korea in 1910 was attacked by Japan to annex it. This is when Korea had lost its title as being called the hermit kingdom.
The Korean War
When the outbreak of the Korean War had reached across the globe. Australia quickly hurried to aid South Korea. The United States of America helped the Australians and the South Koreans in the war. Australia sent 17,000 troops to South Korea. Robert Menzies was Prime Minister at the time. In 1950 South Korean people were overjoyed to see the Americans and the Australians interevene. South Korea and Australia relations were growing rapidly. In 1953 Australian troops pulled out of Korea by ceasefire agreement.
Post-Korean War
South Korea and Australian relations are strong and are continuing to grow. Today South Korea and Australia share a very friendly and healthy relationship. Both are members of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation. In 2000 Kim Dae Jung came to Canberra. In 2009 Korean President Lee Myung Bak visited Kevin Rudd in Canberra. The outcome of the meeting was very positive, with Australia and South Korea officially declaring a security pact, similar to that already in place between Australia and Japan. They discussed future cooperation and a Free Trade Agreement. South Korean people still thank Australia for their aid during the Korean War. South Koreans consider Australia to be a very important partner in the region.
Korean Australian
Korean Australian is a person who has migrated from South Korea to Australia. Today Australia has the sixth biggest Korean community outside of Korea. Korean Australians number about 150,873 persons of Korean origin. The migration began in the 1970s and is still continuing the growth. In Australia according to MOFAT statistics 3348 Korean adoptees live in Australia. Since the late 1980s many Korean Australians come in under the business category required for economic growth. The Korean Australian population is a young population. There are also many Koreans studying in Australian Universities and schools. There is Korean populations in all capital cities. Most Koreans in Australia live in Sydney and Melbourne. Koreans in Australia have reached high standards in schooling, work and sport in Australia. AFL player Peter F. Bell who played for Fremantle Football club and North Melbourne Football Club is of Korean origin.
See also
- Foreign relations of Australia
- Foreign relations of South Korea
- Australian Embassy to South Korea
External links
References
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