A Study on Korean Trade Diplomacy Strategies in the age of AI

Now is the age of AI(Artificial Intelligence). AI technology offers advantages such as enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, enabling quick decision-making, and strengthening a company’s adaptability. However, I also brings potential challenges, including unemployment, increased income inequality, heightened social conflicts and significant shifts in industrial structures. This study suggests the direction of Korea's trade policy amid changes in AI technology and the trade environment. This research empirically analyzes the 21 FTA agreements of Korea with keyword network analysis. South Korea’s trade policy can be characterized by overseas market expansion, a focus on private enterprises, growth-oriented priorities, and an emphasis on multilateralism. However, it tends to overlook critical social issues such as labor, human rights, climate, energy, inequality, and industrial protection. As we enter an era of low growth, South Korea’s economy requires fundamental changes in its trade policy. While past policies emphasized growth, expansion, and overseas markets, the current focus should shift toward stability, protection, and domestic markets. Major countries are also transitioning their trade diplomacy policies, emphasizing value-based approaches. In the AI era, South Korea’s trade diplomacy should similarly prioritize addressing social issues such as labor, human rights, climate, energy, and industrial protection.