Netherlands–South Korea relations

Dutch–South Korean relations

Netherlands	South Korea

Netherlands–South Korea relations are foreign relations between South Korea and the Netherlands. The Netherlands have an embassy in Seoul,^[1] while South Korea has an embassy in The Hague.^[2]

History

Pre-20th century

Korea was relatively unknown to Westerners, including the Dutch, and compared to neighbouring countries such as China or Japan, Korea was not eager to trade with the west.^[3]

Initially, the Dutch (also called Hwaran (花蘭))

Hamel escaped in 1666 and returned to Amsterdam in 1668. Hamel's journals and his descriptions of Korea led, the Dutch East India Company to task a ship (the Corea) with exploring this nation, with expectations of resources and flourishing trade opportunities. This attempt to directly trade with Korea and bypass Japanese middlemen, however, was rejected by Japanese authorities.^[7][8] The Dutch showed interest in Korea regarding its role in producing porcelain, as the Qing had placed an export ban.^[9] In 1669, Batavian officials were eager to forge relations with Korea, fearing that the Portuguese in Macau might do so first.^[8]

20th century

The Netherlands recognized South Korea in 1949 and officially launched diplomatic relations in 1961.^[4]

Korean War

The Dutch participated in the Korean War as part of the United Nations.^[10]

Economy

The two countries forged an economic technology cooperation treaty in 1982.^[4]

See also

• Foreign relations of the Netherlands
• Foreign relations of South Korea
• Koreans in the Netherlands

References