Korea’s Public Diplomacy Policy towards Africa: Strategies, Instruments and Its Implications on Economic Linkages with Africa1)

Abstract

Korea-Africa relations date back to the period of independence of African countries. During this time, the ties between Korea and Africa has passed through stagnation, inconsistencies and weak diplomatic exchanges. Recently, Korea began to refocus its efforts towards Africa in order to revitalize their relations. This paper examines Korea’s public diplomacy strategies towards Africa and how its various strategies are working in the interest of Korea as well as Africa. The study shows that Korea’s renewed interest in Africa is primarily driv en by the security threat from North Korea and the need to diversify its market for industrial goods as well as energy sources. The latter motives override Korea’s interest in the continent. These motives are not at variance with those pursued by large powers like the US and China in Africa. Furthermore, the paper shows that Korea is employing a mixture of public diplomacy instruments in Africa with varied outcomes. Economic linkages be tween Korea and Africa are on an upward trajectory since the late 2000s. In order to build sustainable relations, the paper provides a number suggestions with far-reaching implications on Korea’s public diplomacy towards Africa in the future.