Republic of Korea – ILO Partnership

The Republic of Korea is a key partner of the ILO in advancing decent work and social justice worldwide.

The ILO works closely with the Ministry of Employment and Labour, the Korean International Cooperation Agency, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Collaboration also extend to other governmental bodies and specialized agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Data and Statistics, the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service, the Korea Occupational Health and Safety Agency, the Korea University of Technology and Education, and Korea Polytechnics.

Through these multi-faceted partnerships, the ILO and Korea collaborate on advancing global initiatives, actively participating in the Global Coalition for Social Justice and the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions. These efforts contribute to strengthening international labour standards, employment policies and occupational safety and health.

In addition, the partnership promotes the Decent Work Agenda through initiatives that foster youth employment, advance the Social and Solidarity Economy, and strengthen international cooperation in labour statistics.

At the regional level, particularly in Asia-Pacific, the partnership focuses on identifying and responding to the practical needs of partner countries to deliver field-based projects. These efforts leverage social dialogue among tripartite constituents—government, employers, and workers—to support just transitions, promote youth employment, and enhance labour market governance systems.

The ILO also benefits from Korean expertise through the country’s active engagement in Professional Secondment Programmes and the Junior Professional Officer Programme. Through these initiatives, Korean professionals provide valuable technical expertise and policy insights, supporting the delivery of the ILO’s global mandate across regions.

For more information, please visit the Republic of Korea country portal.

View the Republic of Korea factsheet.