Abstract
The article analyzes the role of economic diplomacy in strengthening the Republic of Korea’s position in international relations. The author examines South Korea’s foreign policy and economic strategies at various historical stages of its development. Using the historical-chronological method, the author analyzes strategies aimed at attracting foreign investment, expanding export markets, and supporting domestic products, as well as measures taken after the Asian financial crisis. The role of economic diplomacy in the process of South Korea’s transformation into one of the world's leading economies is determined. The article also explores the impact of South Korea’s diplomatic initiatives on national economic development and its position in the global economic system. Special attention is given to the functions of economic diplomacy, such as concluding free trade agreements, organizing forums and missions, and entering foreign markets. The article concludes that the country’s economic diplomacy plays a crucial role in shaping the modern digital system, developing artificial intelligence, supporting innovative projects, and actively participating in global initiatives. The author analyzes the conceptual and ideological foundations of South Korea’s foreign policy in the 20th and 21st centuries, including the concepts of “middle power,” “soft power,” “creative economy,” and economic nationalism. Theoretical foundations of the issue, scientific studies in this field, statistical data, and official documents are examined. The study employs historical-chronological and comparative analysis methods, along with information systematization techniques. Along with studying South Korea’s experience in economic diplomacy, the article identifies that, under conditions of modern global instability, the country’s economic diplomacy faces a number of complex challenges related to mitigating and addressing critical threats in international relations. The research results contribute to the study of South Korea’s economic strategy and economic diplomacy and can be useful for analyzing the global economic situation and international relations issues.