<New Year's Greetings> Building on Partnership: UK-Korea Priorities for 2026

Graphics by Song Ji-yoon

As we begin 2026, the partnership between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea has never been stronger.

Elevated to a Global Strategic Partnership in 2023, our relationship reflects shared democratic values, a commitment to the rules-based international order and a vision for a more prosperous, secure and sustainable future.

The inaugural UK-Korea High Level Forum held in Seoul in December brought together leaders from government, business and academia to chart the course ahead and spark new ideas for collaboration. 2026 will be an opportunity to build on that momentum.

Standing firm for Ukraine is our most urgent shared imperative.

As Russia’s illegal war continues, the deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, with North Korean troops fighting on European soil, shows that Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security are indivisible.

What happens in Ukraine matters profoundly to the Korean Peninsula, and vice versa. The UK and Korea must continue unwavering support for Ukraine while maintaining robust sanctions against Russia. Together, we send a clear message: aggression will not be rewarded, and perpetrators will face consequences.

Driving mutual economic growth remains central to our mission. Following the successful conclusion of negotiations in December to upgrade our Free Trade Agreement, we have unprecedented opportunities to deepen trade and investment.

British and Korean businesses lead in artificial intelligence, clean energy and defence technology. In 2026, we will connect innovators across these sectors, leveraging complementary strengths to create jobs and prosperity in both countries.

This year holds special significance for our security ties. 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Imjin River, where British troops fought bravely for Korea’s freedom, and the establishment of the United Nations Memorial Cemetery Korea in Busan, the resting place of over 880 British casualties of the Korean War. This shared history inspires our modern defence partnership.

Climate leadership is another area where our partnership can make a global difference. Both nations have submitted ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions, and Korea’s commitment to phasing out coal demonstrates genuine resolve. We look forward to sharing expertise in offshore wind and nuclear energy as we pursue green transitions.

Finally, our cultural ties continue to flourish. 2025 saw British creativity on display in Korea through exhibitions from Antony Gormley and the National Portrait Gallery, and Thomas Heatherwick’s curation of the Seoul Biennale.

This year, we eagerly anticipate Damien Hirst’s exhibition at the MMCA and other exciting events. These exchanges remind us that our partnership lives in the connections between our peoples.

2026 promises to be a year of deepening friendship between our two countries. I look forward to all we will achieve together.

Colin, Crooks, British Ambassador to South Korea

*The author is the British Ambassador to South Korea.

Colin Crooks, British Ambassador to South Korea

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