Korean-Canadian Trade Relations, 1987-1997

The purpose of this paper is to examine South Korea's economic relations toward Canada from 1987 to 1997 a period of transition that not only encompassed the Sixth (1987-1991) and Seventh Five-Year Plans (1992-1997) but marked the transition from authoritarian rule to that of democratic elections in South Korea. This paper will argue Canada's interest in the dynamic economies of the Asia-Pacific and South Korea's interest in diversifying its political and economic relations stimulated by shared political and democratic values led to a dramatic increase in bilateral trade and investment between South Korea and Canada.