South Korea country profile
In this country profile, we look at the latest New Zealanders' Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples research to gain an understanding of how New Zealanders feel about South Korea. The New Zealand-South Korea relationship has come a long way since diplomatic relations were established in 1962. Today, South Korea is one of New Zealand’s most important partners in the Asia region. Annual trade between the two countries nears $9 billion, making the nation south of the 38th parallel our sixth largest trade partner. However, our links extend beyond trade; for instance, we also claim connections to one of the country’s most successful K-pop bands, Blackpink – two of its four members have strong ties to New Zealand.
Importance to New Zealand’s future:
Forty-nine percent feel that South Korea is very important or important to New Zealand’s future, ranking fifth after China, Japan, India, and Singapore.
Defence and security relations:
New Zealanders consider South Korea to be the second most important Asian partner to work with when it comes to security and defence, after Japan.
“I believe that they are technological giants now and into the future, and it would be interesting to visit and/or live there.”
40-49 years, male, other European, Bay of Plenty
Influence over New Zealand:
New Zealanders do not believe South Korea has much influence over this country. Most (82%) believe that China is the Asian country with the most influence over New Zealand, followed by Japan, India, South Korea, and Singapore.
China is still expected to be the most influential in 10-to-20 years’ time, and India’s future influence is also expected to increase.
“[South Korea] appears to have a booming economy and produces great gear, electronics and cars.”
40-49 years, male, European, Otago
“ Love the culture there as well as the music. It’s such a diverse country and has impacted the whole world with its beautiful culture.”
20-24 years, female, Māori, Gisborne
Travel
Of the 58 percent of New Zealanders who have visited or traveled to Asia, 13 percent have been to South Korea.
South Korea is the sixth most popular choice for future travel, with 33 percent of New Zealanders saying they would like to visit.
"I find their culture really interesting and enjoy learning the language.”
20-24 years, female, European and Chinese, Auckland
Friend or threat?
South Korea is regarded as one of New Zealand’s closest friends in Asia:
• 53 percent of New Zealanders regard South Korea as a friend, with eight percent considering it a close friend.
• Nine percent see it as a threat.
Knowledge and interest:
South Korea ranks eighth when it comes to which countries in Asia New Zealanders feel they know best, with three percent of respondents naming it as the place in Asia they know the most about.
The majority of those who said they are most familiar with South Korea said they gained this knowledge through learning about it themselves, including through news and magazines, and family and friends.
South Korea ranks fourth–equal with Singapore and Vietnam when it comes to the places in Asia New Zealanders most want to learn more about.
Interest in culture is the top reason why New Zealanders want to learn more about South Korea.
Download the South Korea country profile
pdf, 844.85 KB
The Foundation's Research Programme commissions studies that support informed public conversations about New Zealand’s relationship with Asia. We also support the next generation of scholars through our Foundation Research Grants.
Our Asia in Focus programme provides expert analysis on on Asia and New Zealand-Asia relations.
