South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee have arrived in the UK for a three-day state visit, marking the first trip hosted by King Charles III since his coronation in May. During their visit, they will be treated to a full red-carpet welcome, including a ceremonial greeting from King Charles and Queen Camilla. The itinerary includes a private lunch at Buckingham Palace, a visit to Westminster Abbey and Parliament, and concludes with an evening state banquet at the palace. In addition to the ceremonial aspects of the visit, the trip holds great significance for business cooperation between the two countries.

The King speaks at a Buckingham Palace banquet welcoming 🇰🇷South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol & his wife Kim Keon Hee to the UK.

He celebrates South Korea's "drive and energy" & it's impact on those living in the UK.#KingCharlesIII #StateVisitKorea pic.twitter.com/8g1HY6gsC0

— The British Prince (@Freedom16356531) November 21, 2023

President Yoon and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are expected to deepen cooperation and launch negotiations on an upgraded free-trade deal. Both trade secretaries are preparing to sign an agreement to launch negotiations for an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Wednesday. This move is in line with the UK government's goal to strike new trade deals with countries worldwide, particularly those in the fast-growing economies of the Indo-Pacific region, following its departure from the European Union.

President Yoon will also have the opportunity to address lawmakers in parliament, emphasizing the importance of the visit and London's recognition of South Korea as a key partner in global cooperation and the Indo-Pacific region. His speech is expected to touch on bilateral ties and discuss strategies to strengthen the relationship going forward. Economic cooperation between the UK and South Korea will primarily focus on science and technology, with an emphasis on expanding business opportunities and high-tech industry supply chains.

Several notable business figures, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Motor chief Chung Eui-sun, will accompany President Yoon on the visit. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has highlighted the natural partnership between the two countries, given their joint focus on innovation and new technologies. The UK seeks to expand exports in digital, business, and financial services, with an enhanced free trade agreement in sight. In addition to trade and economic cooperation, defense ties will be a key agenda item during the visit.

Both countries have pledged to step up joint training and operations, creating the most comprehensive exercise regime between the UK and any partner other than the US. Science ministers from the UK and South Korea are also expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on space cooperation. Overall, the state visit of President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee signifies the deepening ties between the UK and South Korea. The visit not only showcases the close diplomatic relationship but also sets the stage for enhanced trade, economic cooperation, and defense ties between the two nations.