Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Negara Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam, an Islamic monarchy, is a small country with a population of 430,000 people in a land area half the size of Gyeonggi Province. Located at the northern tip of Borneo Island, known as the lungs of Asia, 70% of Brunei is covered in jungle, and the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is decorated with golden mosques and beautiful palaces. Brunei people, with smiles as beautiful as nature, are gentle and peace-loving.

Brunei, a long-time British protectorate, has become a wealthy country thanks to its early discovery of oil and natural gas exports, but is now working to diversify its economy into downstream, food, tourism, ICT, and services. It has pledged to achieve the Net Zero 2050 project to combat climate change, and has also hosted the ASEAN Climate Change Centre with the aim of becoming a regional hub.

As a member of ASEAN, Brunei has been promoting friendly relations with countries around the world, focusing on solidarity among ASEAN countries. Korea established diplomatic relations with Brunei in 1984, the year of its independence, and has maintained close cooperative relations in various diplomatic arenas, including the UN, ASEAN, and APEC. Korea-ASEAN relations are closer than ever, and the close relationship with ASEAN has also led to strengthened relations with Brunei.

The Temburong Bridge, completed in March 2020 with the sweat and technology of Korean companies, has greatly improved accessibility to the border area of Temburong. Temburong, which used to be accessible only by crossing the Malaysian border or by boat, can now be visited in just 20 minutes by car. The Temburong rainforest has been preserved in its natural state thanks to the efforts of the Brunei government.

In Brunei, the Korean Wave, including K-pop, Korean dramas, and Korean food, is very popular among people of all ages. In addition, Korea has become the country of choice for the most students in the short-term study abroad program (Discovery Year) of the University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD). Every year, more than 100 Brunei students choose to study abroad in Korea, which is also leading to a Korean language craze.

2024 marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Brunei. Our embassy will strive to further develop Korea-Brunei relations based on the traditional friendly relations between the two countries. We will also do our best to promote and protect the rights and interests of our citizens and compatriots, including businesspeople and international students. We ask for your continued interest and support.

Thank you

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Brunei, Sun Nahmkook