Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of Austria and Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the International Organizations in Vienna

Korea and Austria are close friends who have built their friendship and trust over 130 years. The two countries' friendly relations encompass political as well as practical forms of effective cooperation, built on the solid foundation of cultural and human exchanges and further strengthened by their strategic partnership.

Austria has a rich artistic and cultural heritage, as evidenced by world-renowned figures such as Mozart, Schubert and Klimt. For this reason, many Korean students decide to study music and art in Austria. At the same time, more and more young people in Austria are taking degrees in Korean Studies and learning Korean. Before the coronavirus pandemic, around 300,000 Koreans visited Austria every year. It is expected that the situation will improve and that cultural and human exchanges will intensify over time.

Korea and Austria both have a strong presence in the technology sector based on a highly skilled workforce, making them ideal partners to embark on a sustainable and prosperous future together. We would like to expand our mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields such as innovation, digitalization and renewable energy.

Furthermore, as countries sharing universal values and norms such as human rights, democracy and market economy, our two countries will continue to work closely together to promote cooperation and solidarity.

Today's close bilateral relations were made possible by the efforts and sacrifices of the Koreans residing in Austria. Despite numerous difficulties, they have taken root here in Austria and built an exemplary Korean community that serves as a strong bridge to further develop bilateral relations.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea will do its best to ensure the safety of the 2,700 Koreans living in Austria and to promote their rights and interests. We will also provide efficient and systematic consular services to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant stay when visiting Austria.

Austria’s capital, Vienna, is one of the largest headquarters of international organizations alongside New York and Geneva. Our chancery also houses the Permanent Mission to the International Organizations in Vienna. With its experience as Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the 2021–2022 term and in international organizations such as the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Korea has made active contributions to solving global challenges such as non-proliferation, sustainable development, drugs and crime. Korea will continue to do everything it can to enhance its reputation as a major global player contributing to freedom, prosperity and peace.

The Embassy in Vienna is also responsible for Slovenia. Korea and Slovenia have steadily developed friendly and cooperative relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1992. In the last 30 years bilateral relations have expanded rapidly, and 140,000 Koreans visit Slovenia every year. Young people in Slovenia are also becoming more interested in Korea. At the same time, Slovenian ports are used for the majority of Korean goods exported to Central Europe.

The Embassy will continue to vigorously promote the development of bilateral relations between Korea and Austria and Korea and Slovenia and will contribute to strengthening Korea's role and contribution on the international stage.

Thank you very much.