Explainer Series
Indo-Pacific Explainer:
South Korea
Published: 4 April 2025
As an economic powerhouse situated in a tense neighbourhood, South Korea is critical to the Indo-Pacific’s security and prosperity.
Shaped by its history of occupation and conflict, South Korea has emerged as a strong supporter of the rules-based international order and a key partner for Australia. And, as one of Asia’s economic miracles, with an ever-growing cultural capital, South Korea’s regional standing has increased dramatically since its inception in 1948. However, still embroiled in a seven-decade-long war with its northern, nuclear-armed neighbour, the stability of Korea’s security environment has implications for the region at large.
This guide is provided as part of the Perth USAsia Centres ‘explainer series’ and is intended for education purposes. It is free to use and share but attribution to the Perth USAsia Centre is required.
Why South Korea matters
↗ The Republic of Korea (ROK) – commonly known as South Korea (한국, Hanguk) – matters significantly to Australia and the Indo-Pacific more broadly. It is the world’s 14th largest economy and an advanced, major manufacturing centre. As semiconductors (used in computer chips) are its largest export, and because it is an important processing centre for critical minerals, it plays a critical role in global supply chains.
However, its shared border with North Korea – a rogue, nuclear armed state – makes it vulnerable. South Korea has therefore sought to build strong partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, including through a treaty alliance with the United States, as well as a foreign policy focused on a free, peaceful and prosperous region.
