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 South Korea |  Morocco |
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Morocco and South Korea established historical ties during the Korean War, and since the establishment of diplomatic relations, they have expanded cooperation in various fields, including economic, diplomatic, and cultural sectors.
The relations between Morocco and South Korea have their roots in the shared experience of the Korean War. At the time, Morocco, then a French protectorate, participated as part of the United Nations Command and deployed Moroccan troops to the Korean Peninsula. Moroccan forces operated primarily on the central front of South Korea, suffering numerous casualties in the process. [1]
Some of the Moroccan soldiers who died during the Korean War were interred at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, which continues to symbolize the historical solidarity between the two countries. This wartime experience contributed to Morocco's relatively early recognition of South Korea as a friendly country among African and Arab nations. [1]
Following the war, South Korea and Morocco officially established diplomatic relations and gradually developed their partnership as diplomatic allies in Africa and the Middle East. During the Cold War, South Korea maintained relations with Morocco while expanding its diplomacy with non-aligned countries, and Morocco, in turn, regarded South Korea as a nation that had successfully achieved post-war reconstruction and industrialization. [2]
Entering the 21st century, the relationship between the two countries has evolved from simple diplomatic goodwill to a focus on practical cooperation. Morocco considers South Korea a key partner in technology, industry, and infrastructure development, while South Korea views Morocco as a strategic hub connecting North Africa and Europe. This mutual recognition has laid the foundation for expanded economic cooperation and cultural exchange. [1]
Since establishing official diplomatic ties, South Korea and Morocco have institutionalized their relationship by opening resident embassies. South Korea maintains an embassy in Rabat, responsible for managing diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation, while Morocco has an embassy in Seoul to oversee bilateral relations with South Korea. [1]
High-level exchanges and diplomatic events are regularly held through these embassies. In Seoul, the celebration of Morocco's Throne Day is held annually, highlighting not only the historical ties formed during the Korean War but also ongoing diplomatic cooperation between the two countries. [1]
South Korea and Morocco also maintain friendly positions on the international stage. South Korea regards Morocco as one of its key partners in Africa and the Middle East, and the two countries have gradually expanded cooperation across diplomatic, economic, and cultural fields.
South Korea and Morocco have been expanding their cooperation in trade, investment, and industrial sectors. Morocco is considered a strategic hub connecting Africa and Europe, and the presence of South Korean companies in the country has been gradually increasing.
In 2025, as part of preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, ONCF signed a $2.9 billion contract with companies from France, Spain, and South Korea to procure railway vehicles. South Korea's Hyundai Rotem was contracted to supply 110 urban rail cars. [3]
The Moroccan government is expanding collaboration with South Korean companies in sectors such as railways, automotive, electronics, and infrastructure, emphasizing a cooperative model that combines South Korea's technological expertise with Morocco's industrial base. [3]
With the global spread of South Korean popular culture, interest in the Korean Wave has been increasing in Morocco. In 2024, the Korean idol group ATEEZ was selected as the headliner for the Mawazine International Music Festival in Rabat, becoming the first Korean pop group to perform on the festival's main stage. [4]
In addition, major cities including Casablanca have hosted private cultural events showcasing K-pop music and Korean culture, which are seen as contributing to mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries. [5]
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