Erdogan Leaves for South Korea for Talks With Lee Jae Myung

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan left for Seoul on Sunday for an official visit to South Korea, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported.

The trip is at the invitation of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, and Erdogan is scheduled to hold official talks with him on Tuesday.

The visit runs through Wednesday.

The discussions are expected to cover all aspects of the strategic partnership between the two countries, as well as views on current regional and global issues.

Several agreements meant to strengthen the legal and institutional framework of bilateral ties are also expected to be signed.

Erdogan is travelling with his wife, first lady Emine Erdogan, along with Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler and Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir.

Lee took office as South Korea's president in June 2025, and his government has pursued closer ties with several partners in Europe and the Middle East.

Turkey sent troops to fight alongside United Nations forces during the Korean War in the early 1950s, a history that remains part of the relationship between the two countries.

Turkey and South Korea have expanded economic cooperation in recent years, and the visit is the latest step in that effort.