MAIN DIRECTIONS AND STAGES OF SOUTH KOREA'S FOREIGN POLICY IN CENTRAL ASIA

This section examines the strategic objectives and chronological development of South Korea’s foreign policy in Central Asia. It highlights the country’s main directions, including diplomatic engagement, economic cooperation, and cultural outreach, and analyzes the stages of policy evolution from the early post-Soviet engagement (1992–2000), through mid-term expansion (2000–2010), to contemporary strategies emphasizing soft power (2010–present). The study identifies key actors, including government institutions, cultural organizations, and private sector partners, and assesses the roles of diplomacy, trade, and multilateral initiatives in advancing South Korea’s interests. Case examples from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan illustrate how strategic engagement has enhanced bilateral relations, regional collaboration, and South Korea’s influence in Central Asia.