Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held an industry briefing on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Lotte Hotel Seoul to explain the outcomes of the Korea–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) upgrade negotiations concluded on December 15, 2025. The briefing was attended by Kwon Hye-jin, Director General for Trade Negotiations at MOTIR, along with representatives from export-related institutions—including the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA)—and major companies from the manufacturing and services sectors.

The event highlighted the practical benefits of the upgraded Korea–UK FTA, which reflects changes in the trade environment following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit). The program featured two sessions: one covering achievements in manufacturing and investment, and another focusing on outcomes in the services sector. In addition to gains in traditional manufacturing industries such as automobiles, the briefing underscored key services and investment-related achievements, including eased entry for Korean professionals into the UK, market access for webtoons and online games, and efforts to promote a co-production agreement in the audiovisual services sector. These outcomes are expected to enhance FTA utilization by Korean service companies and expand their access to the UK market.

Director General Kwon stated, “More important than concluding an FTA is ensuring that companies can effectively utilize it in practice,” adding that “the government will continue to engage closely with industry and focus policy efforts on supporting and expanding Korean companies’ presence in the UK market.” MOTIR also plans to expedite follow-up procedures required for the agreement’s entry into force, including legal reviews and the Korean translation of the agreement text, to ensure that industry can benefit from the outcomes of the negotiations as early as possible.