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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

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.
S. Korea, Malaysia set to hold 9th round of FTA negotiations in Kuala Lumpur
13-May-2025     Yonhap
South Korea and Malaysia were set to hold their ninth round of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement, as the two sides seek to broaden their trade portfolio and enhance cooperation.
Korea, Malaysia set to hold 8th round of negotiations on bilateral FTA
8-Apr-2025     Korea JoongAng Daily
Korea and Malaysia were set to hold their eighth round of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement, as the two sides seek to broaden their trade portfolio and enhance cooperation.
Korea, Thailand hold 4th round of negotiations for Economic Partnership Agreement
4-Mar-2025     Chosun Biz
The 4th round of EPA negotiations between South Korea and Thailand held in Seoul, focus on 17 areas including trade in goods and services, digital economy, and sustainable development, with the goal of strengthening economic ties in a volatile global trade environment.
Korea, Malaysia hold 6th round of free trade talks
22-Jan-2025     The Korea Times
Korea has launched the sixth round of negotiations with Malaysia for a bilateral free trade agreement as part of efforts to broaden its trade portfolio and enhance cooperation with the partner country.
BOC, Tariff Commission list articles under PH-Korea free trade agreement
7-Jan-2025     PortCalls
The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Tariff Commission (TC) have subsequently released implementing guidelines and updated their online tariff finder to reflect the new tariff schedules. Executive Order No. 80 formalizes the Philippines' tariff commitments under the FTA, subjecting listed goods from South Korea to the specified import duties upon entry.