South Korea's Strategic Bet on Central Asia: A New Chapter in Geopolitics

Building Bridges Across Continents

On September 15, 2026, Seoul welcomed the heads of five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan—for what has been called a historic presidential summit. It marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between South Korea and Central Asia, one that could reshape regional influence, economic ties, and global positioning.

This is more than a diplomatic gesture—it's an effort to establish a long-term strategic partnership that leverages mutual interests and historical connections. As we look deeper into this summit, it becomes clear that the move is not only about trade or resource access but also about building a new kind of geopolitical bloc.

“The first expectation is political. The summit will raise a dialogue that has existed since 2007 to the level of heads of state,” said Sanat Kushkumbayev from the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies.

The real test, he added, lies in whether this summit produces a workable agenda across critical sectors such as critical minerals, energy, digital technologies, and transport infrastructure. The ambition is clear: to create lasting frameworks for cooperation rather than short-term agreements.

Central Asia's Growing Clout

The five Central Asian countries have increasingly positioned themselves as a unified bloc under the C5+ designation—an effort that seeks to strengthen their collective voice in global affairs. While still navigating internal challenges and external pressures, they're pushing for greater autonomy from traditional alliances with Russia and China.

Analysts believe this shift is driven by a desire for investment, access to technology, and international partnerships beyond the two dominant powers in the region. For Central Asia, engaging with South Korea offers a potential alternative path—one that's less politically charged and more commercially oriented.

South Korea's strategic approach reflects its own need for diversification. With a limited domestic resource base and heavy dependence on China for industrial inputs, Seoul is actively seeking supply chain resilience through partnerships in Central Asia. The region's vast reserves of minerals, energy, and raw materials make it an attractive partner for long-term development.

The Economic Angle: From Raw Materials to Manufacturing

While the initial focus has been on securing access to critical minerals and energy, South Korea is taking steps to go beyond simple resource extraction. The country's K-Silk Road initiative—launched in 2024—is aimed at fostering deeper collaboration through manufacturing, processing, and technology transfer.

This approach aligns with Central Asia's growing interest in transforming from raw material exporters to industrial hubs. In Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, South Korea has already made significant investments. By the end of 2025, direct South Korean investment in the region had reached approximately $6.4 billion—a testament to the economic potential of this partnership.

However, the challenge remains in moving from assembly lines and memorandums of understanding to genuine localisation and commercial production. As Kushkumbayev noted, it's not enough to simply build factories—it's about creating sustainable industries that add value locally.

A Shared History: The Legacy of Koryo-saram

Beyond economics, there is a compelling human story at play here. South Korea and Central Asia share a unique historical connection through the Koryo-saram—Soviet Koreans who were forcibly relocated by Stalin in 1937 to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Roman Zakharov, a half-Korean artist from Kazakhstan, spoke of his grandparents' experiences during that era. After arriving in southern Kazakhstan, they faced harsh winters and no housing, relying on local Kazakh families for survival. The descendants of these deportees have worked hard to preserve their identity, often blending Korean traditions with local customs.

Over time, cultural exchanges have deepened. South Korea has supported the establishment of cultural centers across Central Asia, allowing people—especially Koryo-saram—to reconnect with their heritage. But it wasn't until the 2010s that South Korean soft power really took root, fueled by popular culture such as soap operas and K-pop.

“The South Korean government has been popularising Korean culture in Central Asia and using it as a soft power which is already very strong,” said Aiganym Toleuliyeva, a young Kazakh researcher who studied in South Korea.

Her journey reflects how these cultural connections have grown into meaningful engagement. From Korean music festivals to educational programs, Seoul's outreach has helped foster deeper ties between the two regions. Today, many Central Asians see South Korea not just as an economic partner but also as a source of inspiration and opportunity.

Soft Power and Opportunity

In addition to economic and historical connections, South Korea is also emerging as a preferred destination for labor migration from Central Asia. Unlike the often precarious conditions in Russia, Central Asian workers in South Korea are treated better and given more opportunities through special programs that offer free language training and access to construction jobs.

This appeal extends beyond just employment. For many, Seoul represents a place where dreams can be realized—where immigrants feel supported and valued. It's part of a broader strategy by South Korea to cultivate a network of people who will carry forward the bond between their countries.

Geopolitical Implications

While South Korea's approach is largely commercial, it does carry geopolitical weight. In a region where China, Russia, the European Union, Turkey, and Gulf states are all vying for influence, Seoul is positioning itself as a neutral, yet active player.

This strategy allows South Korea to engage without aligning too closely with any one power bloc. Instead, it builds relationships that reflect its own interests—economic growth, supply chain security, and technological advancement.

As Kushkumbayev pointed out, Seoul's role is likely to remain commercially driven and relatively low-key, avoiding overt political posturing while still making a strong impact in shaping regional dynamics. This approach may prove crucial in a time when global alliances are becoming more fluid and fragmented.

The Road Ahead

While this first-ever summit is a significant milestone, the real test will come in how effectively Seoul and Central Asia translate these diplomatic gains into actionable outcomes. The next few years will tell whether the K-Silk Road initiative becomes a true bridge between the regions or remains an ambitious vision.

The stakes are high for both sides. For South Korea, it's about ensuring economic resilience and expanding its footprint in a rapidly changing global economy. For Central Asia, it's about securing new partnerships that support long-term development without sacrificing sovereignty.

What we're seeing is not just a bilateral relationship—it's the formation of a new kind of geopolitical alliance built on shared interests, cultural resonance, and mutual benefit. Whether this partnership will evolve into something more permanent remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: South Korea's strategic engagement with Central Asia marks a turning point in international relations.