Five South Korean figures received Kazakhstan’s state honors. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented the Order of Dostyk, Second Class, in Seoul to government, academic and public figures who have contributed to strengthening ties between Kazakhstan and South Korea, DKNews.kz reports.
The ceremony took place during Tokayev’s visit to the Republic of Korea. The President described the relationship between the two nations as one built on longstanding friendship, mutual respect and shared interests.
Tokayev Calls South Korea a Strategic Partner
Addressing the ceremony, Tokayev said the geographical distance between Kazakhstan and South Korea has not prevented the two countries from building close ties.
«Despite the considerable distance separating our countries, we are brought together by mutual respect and shared interests. The Korean economy is developing successfully, overcoming competition and challenges. This has been made possible by the hard work of the people and the efforts of major businesses. The people and Government of Kazakhstan hold sincere respect for friendly Korea. The Republic of Korea is a strategic partner of Kazakhstan. We regard Korea as a country enjoying great authority on the international stage. Our multifaceted cooperation is growing stronger with each passing year. Five years ago, the Declaration on Enhanced Strategic Partnership was adopted,» Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
The relationship now extends well beyond political dialogue. Kazakhstan and South Korea are developing cooperation in industries that directly affect investment, industrial capacity and technological development.
Engineering, Energy and Technology Drive Economic Cooperation
Tokayev highlighted the pace of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, pointing to major projects in several sectors.
«Trade and economic relations are developing dynamically. We are implementing a number of large-scale projects in mechanical engineering, energy, metallurgy, advanced technologies and other sectors. Globally renowned Korean companies are successfully operating in our country. Our cultural and humanitarian ties are also growing stronger,» the President said.
For Kazakhstan, South Korea is particularly significant as a source of industrial expertise, technology and investment. Cooperation in engineering, energy and metallurgy also gives the partnership a practical economic dimension beyond diplomatic ties.
The two countries have previously reaffirmed their intention to deepen their Enhanced Strategic Partnership, including through investment, energy, transport and logistics projects. In April 2026, Tokayev accepted an invitation to visit Seoul as the two sides prepared for a new round of high-level talks.
More Than 100,000 Ethnic Koreans Connect the Two Countries
Tokayev devoted a separate part of his remarks to Kazakhstan’s Korean community, describing it as an important contributor to the country’s economic and socio-political development.
«Today, more than 100,000 ethnic Koreans live in Kazakhstan. They play an important role in the economic and socio-political development of our country. We have created favorable conditions for all ethnic groups. The Koryo-saram community lives in peace and harmony on Kazakh soil and makes a significant contribution to strengthening unity and solidarity. Korean cultural centers operate in Kazakhstan. The Korean Academic Theatre in Almaty enjoys recognition and affection among the public. A newspaper is published and a dedicated radio program is broadcast in the Korean language,» Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
The Korean community has long played a distinctive role in relations between Astana and Seoul. Previous bilateral meetings have also described ethnic Koreans living in Kazakhstan as a bridge connecting the two countries.
That human connection gives Kazakhstan–South Korea relations an additional layer that is difficult to measure solely through trade or investment statistics. Cultural institutions, education and the Korean-language media maintain ties alongside government and business contacts.
Five South Korean Figures Receive the Order of Dostyk
Tokayev described the ceremony as an important moment in Kazakhstan–South Korea relations and said the awards represented Kazakhstan’s appreciation for those contributing to bilateral ties.
«I consider today a very important day for Kazakhstan-Korea relations. I have decided, as part of this visit, to present the Order of Dostyk of II degree to prominent government and public figures of the Republic of Korea. This is a sign of the genuine respect and sincere appreciation of the Kazakh people. I am confident that you will continue to make a significant contribution to strengthening ties between our countries,» the President said.
The Order of Dostyk, Second Class, was awarded to:
- Maeng Sung Kyu, Member of the 22nd National Assembly of the Republic of Korea;
- Lee Jae-kwan, Member of the 22nd National Assembly of the Republic of Korea;
- Lee Sang-kyun, President of Seoul Cyber University;
- Son Young-hoon, Professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and Director of the Institute of Central Asian Studies;
- Kim Bu-seop, Director of Hyundai General Hospital.
The list reflects the breadth of the relationship itself: the recipients represent politics, higher education, Central Asian studies and healthcare.
For Seoul and Astana, the ceremony also carried a broader diplomatic message. Kazakhstan is recognizing not only agreements between governments but also individuals who have helped build long-term institutional and people-to-people links between the two countries.
Earlier, we reported that Tokayev had accepted an invitation to visit Seoul, with Kazakhstan and South Korea preparing to deepen cooperation in investment, energy, transport and logistics.
