The diplomatic relationship between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of Korea represents a distinctive bilateral partnership, standing apart from Cambodia’s engagements with other global powers. While Cambodia maintains normal diplomatic relations with both the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (South Korea), its ties with South Korea are notably deeper in the areas of politics, economics, and trade.

Cambodia first established formal diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea on May 18, 1970. These ties were interrupted during the Khmer Rouge era but were officially restored on October 10, 1997, thanks in large part to the efforts of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, who was Prime Minister at the time and now serves as President of the Senate. His leadership was instrumental in re-establishing the relationship, especially when other prominent political figures hesitated due to Cambodia’s historical connections with North Korea.

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