Domestic efforts

A Sincere Bond with Africa — Starting from Korea

What’s the connection between Korea and Africa?

Today’s fast-changing Africa mirrors the incredible transformation Korea experienced just decades ago.

But in fact, the relationship between Korea and Africa began long before that.

In the 1950s, during the Korean War, several African nations extended a helping hand to a country in crisis. 

Now, over 70 years later, Korea is connected to Africa not just through government development partnerships —but through the everyday generosity and solidarityof its people.

 This is the time to move beyond stereotypes, and step into a new era of mutual respect and global unity. Let us share the stories of our shared efforts — and the meaningful changes we’ve made together.

Joyful woman in denim holding sunflower among vibrant blooms in summer garden.

1. Korea’s ODA to Africa: Current Status and Key Developments

1) Total ODA and Africa’s Share

  • In 2024, Korea’s total Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget reached a record high of approximately USD 4.8 billion (KRW 6.3 trillion), marking a 31.1% increase from the previous year.

  • Of this total, approximately 24% was allocated to Africa, making it the second-largest recipient region after Asia (60%).

2) ODA Expansion Goal by 2030

  • At the Korea-Africa Summit held in June 2024, the Korean government announced plans to expand ODA to Africa to USD 10 billion by 2030.

  • Moreover, the South Korean government also announced plans to provide $14 billion in export
    financing     to support Korean companies expanding into Africa.

3) Priority Partner Countries and Key Sectors

  • South Korea has designated seven African countries—Ethiopia, Ghana, Egypt, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda—as key partner nations,
    and is formulating development cooperation strategies focused on these countries.

  • Key focus areas include healthcare, education, agriculture, public administration, and infrastructure development. Various grant aid and technical cooperation projects are being carried out, mainly through KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency).

4) Recent Key Projects

  • KOICA is currently implementing a healthcare system strengthening project in Ethiopia, and running vocational training and youth empowerment programs in Ghana.

  • Through EDCF (Economic Development Cooperation Fund), concessional loan projects are underway to improve transport infrastructure in Tanzania and Ghana.

2. Global Ubuntu in Action: The Case of Chuncheon City and Ethiopia

Chuncheon is a leading example of a city that has built a practical and lasting friendship with the African continent, based on gratitude toward Ethiopian veterans who shed blood for Korea during the Korean War.

1) A Special Bond with Its Sister City, Addis Ababa

  • In 2003, Chuncheon formed a sister city relationship with Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, extending the friendship between the two nations to the municipal level.
  • Since then, the city has continued various cooperation programs, including exchanges in education, culture, and human resources. In 2023, Chuncheon held a commemorative event in Ethiopia to mark the 20th anniversary of the sister city partnership.

2) Planned Opening of the “Chuncheon Korea Center”

  • Chuncheon City plans to establish the “Chuncheon Korea Center”at the Abrehat Library in Addis Ababa.

  • The center will serve as a cultural exchange hub that introduces Korean culture, sharing Korean language, cuisine, and arts with local citizens and youth, and playing a key role in deepening mutual interest and understanding.

3) Honoring Ethiopian Korean War Veterans

  • Chuncheon is home to the Ethiopian Korean War Veterans Memorial Hall, a space dedicated to honoring the courage and sacrifice of the Ethiopian Imperial Guard who fought during the Korean War.

  • In 2023, the mayor of Chuncheon and a delegation visited the Ethiopian Veterans Association Center to lay wreaths and hold a remembrance meeting, delivering Korea’s heartfelt message: “The Republic of Korea will never forget.”

3. Experience the Vibrant Spirit of Africa in Seoul, "Seoul Africa Festival"

The Seoul Africa Festival has been held annually since 2016 and is
the largest African cultural festival in Korea.It introduces the diverse cultures of the African continent to Seoul citizens
and contributes to deepening mutual understanding and exchange.

1) Host and Sponsors

  • The festival is organized by the non-profit organizationAfrica Insight,with support from the Seoul Metropolitan Government,
    the African Group of Ambassadors,
    and Kia Motors.
  • Through collaboration with various institutions and communities, the festival serves as a platform where Korea and Africa learn from and understand each other.

2) Diverse Programs and Participation

  • The festival features a wide array of programs, including African traditional music and dance, food, and craft exhibitions.
  • Embassies and community groups from various African countries set up cultural booths 
  • It allows participants to directly experience the rich heritage and traditions of Africa.

3) A Venue for Cultural Exchange 

  • The Seoul Africa Festival plays a vital role in breaking down stereotypes about African culture and fostering mutual understanding.It continues to strengthen friendly relations between Korea and Africa through cultural exchange.

4. Ubuntu in Action: How Yonhap News Tells Africa’s Stories

‘Ubuntu’is a word from the Bantu languages meaning “I am because you are."
It represents a philosophy that emphasizes community spirit and mutual respect. Based on this spirit, Yonhap News has created a dedicated section for in-depth coverage of African affairs, aiming to break down
stereotypes and promote a more positive and accurate perception of Africa.

1) Key Content

  • Curious About Africa: A section that introduces Africa’s diverse cultures, history, and social issues
  • AFRICA NOW: Coverage of major current events and breaking news in Africa.
  • Expert Columns: In-depth analysis and insights from Africa experts
  • Community Board: A space for communication with readers, sharing opinions and information related to Africa

2) Significance and Impact

  • Yonhap News’s “Ubuntu” section is a rare example among Korean media outlets that is dedicated to covering Africa. Through continuous coverage and attention, it contributes to raising awareness and understanding of Africa within Korean society.
  • Yonhap News has also signed MOUs with major university-affiliated African research institutes, and has co-hosted international forums on solutions for African refugees in collaboration with the UNHCR, continuing a wide range of related initiatives.