Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Hellenic Republic

Located in Athens, the Korean Embassy is dedicated to developing the friendly relationship between Korea and the Hellenic Republic, as well as promoting enhanced cooperation with Albania and Cyprus. Additionally, the Korean Embassy is making its utmost efforts to provide quality consular services for Korean nationals and overseas Koreans.

The Hellenic Republic is the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy and the Olympic Games. Many of today’s universal values, such as human rights, freedom, and the rule of law, originated in Ancient Greece. From a geopolitical perspective, the Hellenic Republic is situated on the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula, between the Eastern and Western Mediterranean Sea, forming the eastern border of the European Union.

The Hellenic Republic dispatched more than 10,000 Greek Expeditionary Forces to help defend the Republic of Korea's freedom and democracy, even before the two countries had established diplomatic ties and despite it being right after the Greek Civil War, which we always appreciate. Building on this assistance, our two countries’ ties have developed into a close and friendly cooperative relationship in areas such as political and economic cooperation, as well as cultural exchanges.

In particular, there have been notable high-level exchanges in 2023 between the two countries. Following the summit meeting held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2023, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited Greece in October, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Kim Young-joo (President of the Korea-Greece Parliamentary Friendship Group) visited in November, and Presidential Special Envoys visited Greece in both February and September.

As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2024-25 term, Korea will enhance cooperation on the international stage with Greece, which has been elected for the 2025-26 term. This cooperation will be based on a shared understanding of core values such as human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and will aim to promote international security and peace.

Traditionally, the two countries have closely cooperated as the world's leading maritime power and the world's top shipbuilding power in the fields of shipbuilding and shipping. This cooperation is expanding to include the development of eco-friendly ship engines, keeping in mind the urgent need to address climate change.

Recently, Korean music, movies, and dramas have been gaining popularity in Greece, while interest in Greek cultural heritage and nature is growing in Korea. As a result, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are expanding. The number of Greek tourists visiting Korea, as well as Korean tourists visiting Greece, has recovered to pre-COVID-19 levels and continues to rise. Interest in the Korean language is also increasing, as evidenced by the continuous rise in the number of students enrolling in Foreign Language Teaching Center of the University of Athens.

The Korean embassy will continue to do its utmost to develop the relationship between the two countries and to protect the rights and interests of our citizens and overseas Koreans. Your encouragement and support will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!