[Korea-Bulgaria] 35 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Two Countries

Following is the article by Bulgarian Ambassador to Korea Petar Kraytchev, on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria – Third of March – and 35 Years of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Korea.

In 2025 we celebrate 35 years of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Korea. Since 1990 the ties between our two countries have sustained a perpetual trend of enhancement through numerous exchanges across a vast spectrum of Government, public, and private sectors, trade, economy and investment, energy, culture and education, innovation and technology, environment and sustainable development, sport, tourism and more.
At present, we enjoy a valuable convergence of favorable conditions, whose cumulative effect enables us to harness never before seen opportunities for cooperation between the people of Bulgaria and the Republic of Korea.
A new chapter is emerging and a rare opportunity has been bestowed upon us – in Bulgaria there is a genuine surge of interest in Korean language, history, and culture. Bulgaria’s vibrant magnificence is perceived with apparent enthusiasm in the Republic of Korea.
Our two countries are amongst the very few in the world with their own authentic alphabets – the Bulgarian (Cyrillic) Alphabet and Hangul have shaped an unprecedented platform for recognition and friendship between Bulgarians and Koreans.
Korean language is being taught in Bulgaria with increasing popularity, including at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, the oldest Bulgarian university, established in 1888. In Seoul, Bulgarian Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Stidies has been thriving with the dedication of Korean students over the last many years.
Political relations are as close as they have ever been on any conceivable level – national, provincial, municipal. The genuine urge of people on both sides to reach out and build lasting friendships has resulted in sister city relationships as well as a multitude of initiatives to promote institutional and personal contacts.

The business exchange is on the rise as well – Bulgarian exports to Korea have expanded considerably over the last few years. Both sides have recently ventured to expand Bulgaria’s nuclear power capabilities.
There is a new promise for more Korean investments and companies to establish operations on Bulgarian soil. According to the Bulgarian National Statistics Institute, in 2023 the bilateral trade reached USD 443 mln (28% growth year-on-year). In 2023 the Bulgarian export to Korea rose by 78% and reached USD 243 million. The leading export goods from Bulgaria in 2024 were copper and copper sheets(32% of the total export); wheat and rye(18%); lead ore(15%); electrical components(13%); engines (2%); medical equipment; kraft paper; cosmetics etc.
The leading import goods from ROK in 2024 were machines(15%); polyacetals(5%); automobiles(5%); chemicals; TVs; tires; cosmetics; tractors etc. There are sizeable opportunities to increase Bulgarian exports to ROK of essential oils and rose products, grain, wines, natural honey, milk products, pork, bio products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machine parts, textiles etc.
Untapped potential exists in tourism as well – winter, summer, wine, spa, golf. Bulgaria has it all at an astonishingly competitive value.
In essence, both Bulgaria and the Republic of Korea have established themselves as alluring destinations to acquire new knowledge, experiences, perspectives, and – crucially – new friendships as well.
Many of us still remember the 1988 Seoul Olympic games – the most successful Olympics for the Bulgarian sport with 35 medals, 10 of which gold. Even to this day in Bulgaria, 37 years later, Bulgarians remember and proudly reminisce about the glorious achievement of Bulgarian athletes every time Seoul or the Republic of Korea are mentioned in conversation.

The 35th Anniversary exemplifies a remarkable success story of cooperation and advancement, of kindness, and understanding; of close friendship and genuine support. In 2025 we don’t just celebrate a number.
We celebrate hundreds and thousands of people in Bulgaria and RoK with their personal stories of contribution to the partnership between our countries.
We applaud the selfless dedication of everyone who was ever committed to bringing out countries closer together – leaders of Government and industry, business, culture, education, science, sport; professors and students; chambers and associations; artists, diplomats and honorary consuls; officials and NGOs; various contributors of all walks of life over the last 35 years and beyond.
It is an exceptional privilege to serve the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Korea with its incredible charm and vibrant magnificence.
I am grateful for the opportunity to further propel the relations between our countries, and I am truly humbled by the infinite kindness and hospitality of the Korean people – a precious gift I am yet to do my utmost to deserve.★