Korea 's Policy Towards Central Asia After The Cold War

Since 1991, Republic of Korea and Central Asia countries established the diplomatic relations, the relations between these two areas can be divided into two stages, the slow development stage from 1991 to 2001 and the rapid development stage since 2002. With the increasing importance of Central Asia’s energy, market and strategy, Republic of Korea has taken more attention to Central Asia, the bilateral relationship has been developing rapidly.After the Cold War, Republic of Korea and Central Asia expanded exchanges and cooperation widely in various fields, such as economy, energy, culture, science, and so on. Republic of Korea’s policies toward Central Asia including four aspects. In the political aspect, Republic of Korea strengthens political cooperation with Central Asia and increases political mutual trust. Both sides have witnessed frequent high-level visits, which gradually comes into being normal. In the economical aspect, Republic of Korea operates energy diplomacy, enhances the economic and trade cooperation, and implements a package of economic strategy. In the humanity aspect, Republic of Korea operates cultural output policy in Central Asia to promote Republic of Korea’s soft power and arouse the patriotism of Koreans in Central Asia. Finally, according to its own interests and strategic considerations, Republic of Korea takes different policies toward five countries in Central Asia to maximize national interests. In short, Republic of Korea’s Central Asia policies have achieved some results. The bilateral relationship has been developing stably and healthily. There are still many problems, but the two sides have broad prospects of cooperation.