Qatar’s infrastructure initiatives in areas such as water desalination and smart city development present significant opportunities for Korean companies, stated H.E. Hyunsoo Yun, Ambassador of South Korea to Qatar, in a recent interview with The Peninsula. Highlighting Qatar’s National Vision 2030, Ambassador Yun emphasized the potential for collaboration, particularly in renewable energy and smart infrastructure.
“One key area is the power generation sector, where Qatar’s goal to source 20% of its energy from renewables aligns with Korea’s expertise,” he noted, mentioning Samsung C&T’s recent 850MW solar plant in Qatar as a promising example of bilateral cooperation. He praised the long-standing relationship between the two nations, citing Korean firms’ contributions to iconic Doha landmarks such as the Sheraton Hotel and the Qatar National Museum.
Ambassador Yun also underlined Qatar’s transformation into a global city, with extensive roles for Korean companies in smart city and ICT developments that promote sustainable growth. According to him, Korean experience with eco-friendly urban planning can play a crucial role in Qatar’s vision for advanced and sustainable cities.
Education, too, is a growing area of exchange, with both countries committed to fostering academic and cultural connections. Ambassador Yun pointed to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent visit to Qatar, which included discussions with young leaders at Hamad bin Khalifa University, underscoring the value of educational partnerships. Interest in Arabic studies is rising in Korea, while Qatari students are increasingly exploring Korean language programs, reflecting deepening cultural bonds.