South Korea → Turkey
Turkey Market Entry for Korean Companies
Multiligo helps Korean companies find buyers, distributors and partners in Turkey: we pre-qualify Turkish counterparts, set up and attend B2B meetings with interpretation, and report every month. South Korea and Turkey have had a free trade agreement in force since 2013 and traded USD 11.4 billion of goods in 2025 (Turkish MFA; Turkish Ministry of Trade).
Last updated
How big is trade between South Korea and Turkey?
South Korea and Turkey have had a free trade agreement in force since 2013 and traded USD 11.4 billion of goods in 2025 (Turkish MFA; Turkish Ministry of Trade).
| Indicator | Figure and source |
|---|---|
| Bilateral trade volume (2025) | USD 11.4 billion (Turkish MFA, TurkStat data) |
| Turkey’s trade balance with Korea (2025) | USD -9.1 billion, i.e. Turkey imports far more than it exports (Turkish MFA) |
| Trade agreement | Korea–Turkey FTA: trade in goods in force since 1 May 2013; services and investment agreements since 2018 (Turkish Ministry of Trade) |
Why do Korean companies look at Turkey?
Korean companies look at Turkey for its domestic market, its industrial base and its position between several regions, and for partners who already know those markets.
- The Korea–Turkey FTA also covers services and investment since 2018, which matters for Korean service providers and investors as well as exporters.
- Turkey runs a large trade deficit with Korea (USD -9.1 billion in 2025), showing how much Korean product is already sold in the market (Turkish MFA).
- Turkey sits between Europe, the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia, with a large domestic market and a broad manufacturing base.
South Korea and Turkey have a free trade agreement in force. Check product-specific tariff treatment and rules of origin with the Turkish Ministry of Trade or KOTRA before pricing for the Turkish market.
Which sectors do we explore with Korean companies?
For Korean companies we most often look for Turkish counterparts in these sectors; fit always depends on the product and its positioning.
Machinery & industrial equipment
Industrial equipment, automation and components for Turkish manufacturers and dealers.
Food & beverage
Importers, distributors and retail buyers for Korean food and beverage products.
Cosmetics & personal care
Importers, distributors and retail chains for beauty and personal care brands.
Franchise & master license
Master franchisees and investors for food service and retail concepts.
What should Korean companies know about working with Turkish partners?
South Korea is 6 hours ahead of Turkey (Turkey uses UTC+3 all year). We schedule calls in the Korean afternoon, which is the Turkish morning.
- We share counterpart profiles and an agenda before every meeting, and written debriefs afterwards.
- FTA preferences require proof of origin; Turkish importers will ask how origin is documented.
- English-language materials work for most Turkish companies; we coordinate Turkish interpretation in meetings.
Our process (brief, target list, pre-qualification, meetings, debrief, monthly report) is described on the Turkey market entry page.
How does Multiligo work alongside KOTRA?
KOTRA provides market information and programmes for Korean companies; Multiligo adds company-level execution in Turkey: finding, qualifying and meeting specific Turkish companies.
KOTRA supports Korean companies abroad, including in Turkey. Multiligo complements that support at company level: we find specific Turkish counterparts, contact them, and manage meetings and follow-up.
Organisations that support Korean companies abroad can work with us through the Partner Program.
Frequently asked questions
Can Multiligo help Korean companies find a distributor in Turkey?
Yes. We identify and pre-qualify Turkish distributors, importers and partners for Korean companies, set up the meetings, attend them with interpretation and report every month.
Does the Korea–Turkey free trade agreement cover my product?
Coverage and tariff treatment are product-specific. Check your product’s classification with the Turkish Ministry of Trade or KOTRA; we focus on finding and meeting the right partners.
Can Korean consumer brands find retail partners in Turkey?
Yes. For food, cosmetics and personal care we look for importers and distributors with access to retail chains, specialty stores and online channels, and qualify them on channel coverage and marketing capability.
Official sources
Enter Turkey
Tell us about your product and the partners you are looking for. We will reply by email.