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  1. Negotiations

Korea-ASEAN


The government of South Korea and nine members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam) signed an FTA together in May 2006, which took effect in July 2006.

Due to concerns about agriculture, particularly the deal’s provisions on rice and livestock, Thailand negotiated separate arrangements with the Korean government to join the pact in early 2009. Korea is also interested in a separate, higher level FTA with Malaysia.

last update: May 2012
Photo: Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 3.0

S. Korea, ASEAN hold inaugural joint committee meeting to discuss upgrading bilateral FTA
8-Apr-2026     Yonhap
South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held the inaugural meeting of a joint committee designed to discuss improvements to their bilateral free trade agreement.
S. Korea to 'swiftly' commence talks with ASEAN to improve existing FTA: ministry
27-Oct-2025     Yonhap News Agency
South Korea will "swiftly" commence talks with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss upgrading the free trade agreement (FTA) the two sides signed nearly 20 years ago, as part of efforts to expand their bilateral trade.
Thailand looking for trade accord with S.Korea by year’s end
14-Oct-2025     Bangkok Post
Thailand hopes to complete free trade agreement talks with South Korea by the end of this year, according to Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.
Thailand-Korea CEPA negotiations enter final stages
25-Sep-2025     Business Korea
As the U.S.-initiated trade war intensifies pressure on Korea’s key export industries such as automobiles and steel, the government is accelerating its efforts to conclude negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Thailand as early as this month, aiming to pioneer new markets.
Asean-Korea Free Trade Agreement to be upgraded, says Zafrul
24-Sep-2025     The Star
The Asean-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) will be upgraded and its scope is being finalised, says Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
Malaysia - South Korea set to finalise FTA by October
1-Sep-2025     The Vibes
Malaysia and South Korea have reaffirmed their shared commitment to concluding a long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with the formal signing expected at the upcoming ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in October.
Malaysia expects to sign FTA with S Korea in October
19-Aug-2025     Business Today
Malaysia has completed negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea, aiming to sign it in October. This reflects Malaysia’s efforts to expand market access amid global uncertainties, with 18 FTAs already in place.
Korea, Thailand hold intersessional talks on free trade agreement in Bangkok
22-Jul-2025     The Korea Times
Korea and Thailand were set to kick off their intersessional negotiations for a bilateral economic partnership agreement, as the two sides seek to expand economic ties amid global trade uncertainties, Seoul's industry ministry said.
Lee, Malaysian PM discuss FTA, expanding cooperation in 1st phone talks
23-Jun-2025     Yonhap
Korean President and Malaysian Prime Minister agreed to work together to expand bilateral cooperation in a "mutually beneficial and substantive" manner, including efforts to conclude a free trade pact.
S. Korea, Thailand set to hold 6th round of economic partnership negotiations
10-Jun-2025     Yonhap
South Korea and Thailand are set to kick off their sixth round of negotiations for a bilateral economic partnership agreement.