Diplomacy Journal Kim Tae Yeon | South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has laid out a wide-ranging diplomatic agenda for the second half of 2026, linking summit diplomacy to supply chain strategy, strengthening protections for overseas Koreans, and expanding the country's international profile in advanced technology and cultural diplomacy.

The plans were presented at a ministerial policy briefing chaired by President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House State Guest House on August 5, covering both the major achievements of the first half of the year and the priority tasks for the months ahead. Participants discussed the direction of second-half diplomatic work and key pending issues, and heard from members of the public in attendance.

Korea-Central Asia Summit and Supply Chain Diversification

A centrepiece of the second-half agenda is the first-ever Korea-Central Asia Summit, scheduled for September. The ministry framed the gathering as the realisation of a "New Northern" summit diplomacy strategy, aimed at deepening strategic cooperation with a resource-rich region to diversify supply chains and build a future-oriented partnership in artificial intelligence, digital technology, intellectual property, and green industries.

The ministry also indicated it is reviewing potential membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), as part of efforts to diversify export markets and minimise trade uncertainty. Should formal accession be pursued, Seoul plans to undertake active diplomatic engagement to secure support from existing member states.

Preparations are also under way for South Korea's assumption of the G20 presidency in 2028, including the drafting of related directives and the launch of a preparatory committee.

North Korea Policy and Defence Cooperation

On the Korean Peninsula, the ministry outlined plans to further strengthen Korea-US coordination on North Korea policy and to accelerate consultations with Washington on securing nuclear-powered submarine capabilities and uranium enrichment and reprocessing rights. Support for inter-governmental consultations on the transfer of wartime operational control, alongside outreach to the US Congress and academic community to build domestic American support, was also flagged as a priority.

The ministry said it would continue efforts to create conditions for resuming dialogue with North Korea under close Korea-US coordination.

Stronger Protections for Overseas Koreans

In the area of overseas Korean protection, the ministry announced plans to introduce, by November, a system allowing the government to collect unpaid emergency support loans — extended to Koreans in distress abroad — through national tax collection procedures in cases where recipients with the ability to repay refuse to do so.

A passport bundled-delivery service, allowing multiple applicants at the same address to consolidate shipments and avoid redundant delivery fees, will expand from its current pilot across eight institutions in Daejeon and Sejong to all 258 passport-issuing agencies nationwide in October.

The ministry also said it would finalise, this month, concrete implementation plans for recommendations raised at overseas Korean community consultations, including improvements to the system supporting adoptees seeking their roots.

A special task force will be activated to address transnational crimes — including online scams, narcotics, and online gambling — through enhanced inter-agency coordination and public awareness campaigns. The ministry plans to expand cooperation with law enforcement authorities in key countries and to pursue approximately $25 million in bilateral grant aid programmes across six Southeast Asian nations to strengthen local response capacity. A sector-specific labour management guide covering common dispute patterns and response procedures will also be published to help Korean companies operating abroad prevent labour-management conflicts.

K-Culture, Quantum Technology, and Global South Engagement

In October, the ministry will pilot a "K-Lounge" at the Korean Embassy in the Philippines — a space combining digital Korean Wave experiences with business matching functions. In November, it plans to publish a K-Initiative Market Database analysing the cultural industry landscape, K-culture diffusion trends, and market characteristics across 30 countries.

On the advanced technology front, Seoul will host the 6th Quantum Development Group Meeting in October. November will bring the 8th International Conference on Women and Peace and the 8th Peacebuilding Fund Strategic Dialogue.

Agricultural official development assistance is also being expanded, with an integrated agricultural ODA planning framework to be established this month. A pilot programme in Laos will serve as a model to be verified and subsequently replicated in Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda, and other countries.

The ministry additionally flagged ongoing preparations for South Korea's hosting of the 2028 UN Oceans Conference, and said Seoul intends to engage constructively in the selection of the next UN Secretary-General and in broader UN reform discussions.