As South Korea faces some political uncertainties at home, it is important for Cambodia to continue strengthening its strategic partnership with Seoul. In today’s unpredictable world, Cambodia should not let temporary domestic changes affect the long-standing friendship between the two countries. Cambodia has every reason to continue trusting South Korea and working closely with them for the benefit of both nations.

Since diplomatic ties were re-established in 1997 by former Prime Minister Hun Sen, while he served as second prime minister, South Korea has become a trusted partner for Cambodia, especially in 2024 under the leadership of current Prime Minister Hun Manet, when South Korea was the country that provided the most loans to the Kingdom. 

The two countries have built cooperation in many areas — from infrastructure and trade to education and labour. South Korea is also one of Cambodia’s top foreign investors (and also one of the first, since 1993) and has supported many development projects without interfering in the internal affairs of Cambodia, just like Japan and China. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, South Korea showed real friendship by providing vaccines and health support. This kind of partnership, based on respect and reliability, deserves to be strengthened further and these relations should be maintained forever. 

Why Cambodia Should Deepen Cooperation

There are several good reasons why Cambodia should stay close to South Korea, even during times of political transition in Seoul:

  • Trade and Investment: The Cambodia-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) opens the door for more exports and business opportunities. Korean companies are already active in the construction, banking and energy sectors, but the Cambodian government must ensure that the Korean investors who are already in Cambodia are fully protected. They should also ensure that documentation and other business procedures are simplified, for all international investors.
  • Education and Skills: Cambodia can learn from Korea’s success in education, innovation and technical training. More cooperation in these areas will help develop human capital and prepare Cambodian youth for the future.
  • Labour and Remittances: Many Cambodians are working in Korea and supporting their families back home. Good relations will help ensure they are treated well and protected. Cambodian youths in the countryside often dream of going to work in South Korea because they know that they can earn enough to support their families at home. There are many Cambodians working in South Korea right now, and they should be respected and protected by Cambodian government because they make good money and support their families, one of the most important parts of social development.
  • Geopolitical Balance: South Korea has its own Indo-Pacific strategy and sees ASEAN as an important partner. Cambodia can benefit from this by engaging more with Seoul, not only on economics but also on regional peace and diplomacy. At present, within ASEAN, Vietnam and Indonesia attract the most investment from South Korea, which means that Cambodia must look within to determine possible reasons why Korean investors would go to Vietnam but not here. It is important to reflect on possible weaknesses and then improve on these points.

South Korea is a Reliable Partner

Cambodia can confidently place its trust in South Korea. Unlike certain other nations, it has never used aid or investment to pressure Cambodia politically. Instead, it focuses on practical cooperation. Korean leaders have always shown an understanding of Cambodia’s development path, and this mutual respect is the key to a lasting partnership. Cambodia should respect the decisions of South Korea and Cambodia should understand their needs, because they may expect something from Cambodia in return. 

Although South Korea has its own current political issues, this is part of the democratic process. Cambodia should not be distracted by this and should work hard to further improve relations. There are many Cambodians working and living in South Korea who can serve as a bridge to connect with the Korean people. 

The Kingdom’s government should not pay too much attention to the Cambodians working in South Korea who are unhappy with the Cambodian prime minister’s leadership, even though some of them may be searching for a means of staying there permanently.

Looking Ahead

At this moment, Cambodia has an opportunity to show maturity and consistency in foreign relations. Rather than stepping back, Cambodia should step forward and find new ways to cooperate with South Korea — whether through student exchanges, joint business forums or cultural partnerships.

It is also a good time for Cambodia to encourage more people-to-people connections. Cambodians love Korean culture — from music and films to technology and education. These soft power ties are just as important as high-level diplomacy. Cambodia should consider providing free visas to Korean, Chinese and Japanese tourists. People often prefer to travel to countries where they do not face complications with the visa process.

Conclusion

Cambodia and South Korea have already built a strong and stable relationship. The Kingdom should not let short-term political events in Korea weaken this progress. Instead, Cambodia should focus on long-term goals and deepen strategic ties. The friendship between the countries is important not just for today, but for future generations of Cambodians and Koreans alike.

Dr. Seun Sam is a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia.  The views and opinions expressed are his own.