Hasan Dajah

The relationship between Jordan and South Korea is considered one of the most successful models of bilateral relations in Asia and the Middle East. Over the past decades, it has evolved from traditional diplomatic ties into a multidimensional strategic partnership encompassing the economy, technology, education, energy, human development, and cultural cooperation. This relationship has gained its distinctive character due to its foundation of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs, coupled with both sides' commitment to achieving shared interests, free from the traditional political pressures that govern relations between donor countries and developing nations.

Since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1962, Jordanian-Korean relations have witnessed a steady and upward trajectory, bolstered by the political will of the leadership of both countries, represented by His Majesty King Abdullah and successive Korean presidents, who have prioritized the development of bilateral cooperation. This trajectory culminated in the establishment of a resident Korean embassy in Amman in 1975, followed by the opening of a resident Jordanian embassy in Seoul in 2010, a move that reflected the depth of the growing political and economic relations between the two countries.

In recent years, South Korea has emerged as one of Jordan's most important Asian partners, not only through development support but also through investment in vital sectors and the transfer of technical and technological expertise. Jordan recognized early on the importance of the South Korean experience as a global model for rapid economic transformation, as Korea transitioned from an impoverished, war-torn nation to one of the world's largest industrial and technological economies in a short period.

In this context, the new economic and trade agreement signed by the two countries in March 2016 marked a pivotal moment in the history of bilateral relations. It established a modern and comprehensive framework for economic cooperation, replacing the old trade agreement signed in 1972. This agreement reflects both countries' awareness of the magnitude of global economic transformations and the necessity of moving their relationship to a more dynamic phase based on investment, economic integration, and technology transfer. This agreement is of strategic importance as it establishes a joint Jordanian-Korean committee for economic and trade cooperation, enabling the monitoring of joint projects, the removal of obstacles facing investors, and the opening of new avenues for cooperation in the industrial, service, energy, infrastructure, and digital technology sectors. It also contributes to creating a more attractive business environment and encourages the private sector in both countries to build long-term partnerships.

On the economic front, the volume of trade between the two countries has witnessed remarkable growth over the past two decades. South Korea has become a major supplier of automobiles, electronics, and advanced technology to the Jordanian market, while Jordan seeks to boost its exports of apparel, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and chemical products to the Korean market. The Jordanian pharmaceutical industry also represents a promising area for expanding bilateral cooperation, given the strong reputation Jordanian pharmaceuticals enjoy in international markets.

In the investment sector, South Korean companies have implemented a number of development and strategic projects in Jordan, particularly in the energy, transportation, and infrastructure sectors. Jordan aspires to attract further Korean investment in modern technology, renewable energy, smart industries, public transportation, and water desalination, especially in light of the economic modernization vision led by His Majesty King Abdullah.

In the technological field, Jordan has a significant opportunity to benefit from South Korea's world-leading expertise in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and electronics industries. South Korea is now a global leader in innovation, technology, and technical education, prompting Jordan to seriously consider becoming a regional hub for transferring Korean technology to the Arab world, leveraging its geographic location, political stability, and strong Arab and international relations.

Academic and cultural cooperation has also witnessed significant development, with Jordanian and Korean universities signing numerous cooperation agreements in scientific research, academic exchange, and scholarships. The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has made a prominent contribution to supporting education, vocational training, and human development programs in Jordan, in addition to funding development projects in the health, education, and local administration sectors. Another important aspect of bilateral relations is the growing cooperation in tourism and culture, particularly in religious and medical tourism. Jordan possesses unique historical and tourist attractions that can draw more Korean tourists, especially to Petra, Wadi Rum, the Baptism Site, and the Dead Sea. Cultural exchange has also contributed to strengthening people-to-people understanding between Jordanian and Korean societies.

Politically, relations between the two countries are characterized by a high degree of understanding and coordination. South Korea views Jordan as a model of stability and moderation in the Middle East, while Jordan sees South Korea as a reliable international collaborate with growing global economic and technological influence. This is reflected in the exchange of visits between officials and the ongoing commitment to developing relations across various fields.

Ultimately, Jordanian-South Korean relations have evolved beyond traditional cooperation between a donor and a recipient country. They have become a model of strategic partnership based on mutual interests, shared development, and knowledge transfer. With the new economic agreement for 2026, it appears that the two countries are entering a new, deeper and more ambitious phase, which may make Jordan a gateway for Korean technology and investment in the region, and South Korea a key partner in supporting Jordan’s economic modernization process in the coming years.


Hasan Al-Dajah – Professor of Strategic Studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University