On September 18, 2025, a notable diplomatic milestone unfolded in western Ukraine, as the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ukraine, Pak Ki-chang, made his inaugural visit to Lviv region. This event, covered by the Lviv Regional State Administration and widely reported in Ukrainian media, marked a significant step in deepening the partnership between South Korea and Ukraine, especially in the crucial sectors of energy and medicine.
The ambassador’s arrival at the offices of the Lviv Regional State Administration was met with anticipation, as both sides looked to capitalize on the momentum of growing bilateral ties. Lviv region, sprawling across 39,500 square kilometers and home to approximately 2.5 million residents, has long been recognized for its economic and cultural vibrancy. Yet, as regional head Maksym Kozitskyi highlighted during the meeting, the area’s future prosperity hinges on forging new international collaborations—precisely the kind of opportunity presented by the Korean delegation’s visit.
According to the Lviv Regional State Administration, the discussions centered on two pillars: energy and medicine. These sectors, as both Kozitskyi and Pak Ki-chang agreed, represent not only immediate needs for Ukraine but also areas where Korean expertise and investment could make a transformative difference. The ambassador was briefed on the region’s history, demographic profile, and its readiness for large-scale, innovative projects.
Kozitskyi did not mince words in expressing gratitude for South Korea’s unwavering support since the onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine. “Last year, the amount of aid reached nearly $395 million, and in April this year, the country delivered a new financial assistance package worth $100 million,” he stated, emphasizing the tangible impact of Korean solidarity. This financial backing, he argued, has been a lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery and modernization efforts.
But the meeting was not just about gratitude—it was about action. Kozitskyi outlined two key areas ripe for Korean investment: energy and medicine. “We are identifying for ourselves two important potential projects that could involve Korean businesses and more. Firstly, the reconstruction of Ukraine, the development of the IT sector, and the energy field. We are seeking partners for joint projects in alternative energy, energy storage, and gas cogeneration,” he explained, according to the official Lviv OVA report. The region, he noted, is eager to tap into Korean companies’ prowess in these fields, particularly as Ukraine seeks to rebuild its energy infrastructure and transition to greener sources.
The ambassador was equally enthusiastic. “We have several companies engaged in renewable energy that already have partnerships with Ukraine or are participating in joint energy projects. These projects are also important to us,” Pak Ki-chang affirmed, signaling a readiness to move beyond words to concrete collaboration. The energy sector, after all, is not just about lights and power grids—it’s about resilience, innovation, and long-term economic security.
Medicine, too, was high on the agenda. As Kozitskyi pointed out, “Korea is renowned for its technological breakthroughs in the medical field. We are interested in learning from your experience. For example, our region is home to the first university hospital in Ukraine. Next year, with state funds and regional budget support, we plan to begin construction of a new building. We would appreciate participation in the project: from construction and supply of Korean equipment to exchanges of students, doctors, and teachers.”
This was no idle request. South Korea, as the Ukrainian side noted, boasts around 80 university hospitals and is a global leader in producing and exporting medical equipment. Medical professions are highly esteemed in Korea, often topping the list of career choices for students. The prospect of linking Lviv’s emerging medical infrastructure with Korean innovation and expertise was met with genuine interest by the ambassador.
Pak Ki-chang was quick to recognize the potential. “As for cooperation at the university clinic level, we will do everything possible to support this process, as we see great potential here. It is not just about medicine, but also about education,” he emphasized, according to the official statements. The ambassador’s words underscored a vision of partnership that extends beyond the transactional—one that values knowledge transfer, professional exchange, and joint growth.
The meeting also celebrated a concrete example of successful Korean-Ukrainian cooperation: the modernization of water supply in Truskavets, a popular resort town in Lviv region. This project, realized in partnership with Korean company K-water, aims to tackle longstanding issues with the city’s aging water infrastructure. Truskavets, which attracts over 200,000 tourists annually, has struggled with frequent breakdowns and significant water losses due to outdated pipelines. The collaboration with K-water is expected to overhaul the system, reducing the city’s reliance on external water suppliers and ensuring a more reliable supply for residents and visitors alike.
“To solve the drinking water problem, the Lviv OVA helped the resort city establish a partnership with the Korean company specializing in water resources—K-water,” the administration noted. This project serves as a model for what can be achieved when Ukrainian needs and Korean know-how intersect.
Beyond specific projects, the ambassador’s visit reflected a broader ambition: to foster a network of partnerships between Korean companies and Ukrainian enterprises across multiple sectors. The discussions, as reported by local authorities, were not limited to immediate investments but also explored long-term cooperation in education, technology, and business development. The presence of two strong investment clusters—engineering and medicine—was repeatedly highlighted as a foundation for future joint ventures.
For Lviv region, the stakes are high. As Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of war and post-war reconstruction, international partnerships like these are not just desirable—they are essential. The region’s leadership is acutely aware that rebuilding infrastructure, modernizing healthcare, and ensuring energy security all require global engagement and expertise.
Meanwhile, for South Korea, the partnership offers a chance to expand its influence and market presence in Eastern Europe, while contributing meaningfully to Ukraine’s recovery. The ambassador’s assurances of support, both financial and technical, were met with optimism by the Ukrainian side.
As the day’s meetings wrapped up, both sides expressed hope that this first visit would be the beginning of a sustained and fruitful relationship. The groundwork has been laid; now, as officials on both sides made clear, it’s time to turn plans into progress. The coming months will reveal just how far this Ukrainian-Korean partnership can go, but for now, the sense of possibility is unmistakable.
This diplomatic encounter in Lviv, with its focus on practical cooperation and mutual benefit, stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration in times of challenge—and to the enduring value of building bridges across continents.
