Libya–South Korea relations refer to bilateral relations between Libya and Republic of Korea. The two countries are members of the United Nations.
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 December 1980.[1]
Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Korea and Libya in December 1980 and in (January 2015) Number of South Koreans living in Libya: 48.[2]
Libya and South Korea established a consular relationship in 1978 and established an ambassador-level relationship in 1981.[3] [4] Prior to the establishment of the embassy, South Korea had established and operated a Kotra office in Tripoli since 1974.[5] Libya had previously established diplomatic relations with North Korea in 1974, and the latter reacted nervously to Libya's move to diplomatic relations with South Korea.[6] [7] After the establishment of diplomatic relations, Korea started human exchanges with Libya and also supported public development assistance.[8] [9] In addition, various Korean companies participated in Libya's civil and construction projects. The two countries are also regional cooperation partners of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. In the midst of the Libyan civil war, the South Korean government was the first country in Asia to approve the Libyan Transitional Commission. With the Libyan civil war officially coming to an end, South Korea is participating in the reconstruction of Libya.