Gapyeong County, South Korea, has officially entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cambodia's Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training to facilitate the recruitment of seasonal foreign workers. Signed on February 27, 2025, this agreement marks a collaborative effort aimed at addressing labor shortages within the agricultural sector as both nations strengthen their ties.
Mayor Seo Tae-won of Gapyeong stated, "This agreement on foreign seasonal workers is expected to strengthen cooperation between the two countries and greatly help resolve labor shortages in Gapyeong’s agricultural sector." The MOU aims to create institutional foundations for the seamless introduction and support of seasonal foreign workers from Cambodia, thereby benefiting both the Korean farmers and the Cambodian workforce.
Many South Korean farmers have been struggling to find sufficient labor, particularly during peak agricultural seasons, which has emphasized the need for foreign labor. With this new agreement, it is anticipated farmers will have stable access to the labor resource they require. The Cambodian workers will gain legitimate employment opportunities, improving their living conditions and providing support to their families.
Alongside the labor agreement, there is also significant business activity brewing between the two nations, particularly within the cosmetics sector. The South Korean company YUBEF has solidified plans for exporting cosmetics to Cambodia, culminating in the official confirmation of a $3.5 million (35 billion won) deal with Queen Rose Trading, based in Cambodia.
This export agreement outlines the company’s intent to ship $5 million worth of products this year and $30 million the following year. Hong Gon-pyo, the representative of YUBEF, confirmed, "We have agreed to sell the Ippum Ginseng Gold functional cosmetics through Cambodian tourist duty-free shops, direct selling, and online sales." These products contain Korean herbal ingredients combined with gold.
The Ippum Ginseng Gold range is particularly noteworthy; known for its health benefits, ginseng is believed to combat skin aging by inhibiting the generation of harmful oxygen, thereby enhancing skin elasticity and moisture. Such advantages have made these products highly competitive not just domestically but on the international stage as well.
Since its initial launch back in June 2017, the Ippum Ginseng Gold functional cosmetics line has undergone significant updates to remain at the forefront of customer preferences. With multiple product certifications, including those from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, as well as approvals from Chinese and Vietnamese health agencies, the brand’s reliability is firmly established.
These agreements are set against the backdrop of both countries recognizing the potential for collaboration as they navigate the challenges of modern economic landscapes. With the influx of Cambodian labor aimed at addressing local needs and the exportation of unique cosmetics to capture market shares, the partnership serves as a vibrant showcase of mutual benefit.
Mayor Seo expressed confidence about the future, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring the rights and welfare of foreign workers are protected and maintained—an approach pivotal to fostering enduring international relationships. He declared, "We will do our utmost to create stable working environments for foreign seasonal workers. This agreement is just the start of what we hope will be long-lasting collaborations with Cambodia."
Similarly, Hong Gon-pyo addressed the prospects of introducing K-beauty products beyond Korea’s borders, emphasizing the importance of engaging with Cambodian consumers and contributing to their economy. YUBEF’s strategic move exemplifies how bilateral agreements can open new avenues for business, encouraging growth through shared innovation and resources.
Both the MOU on labor cooperation and the economy-focused partnership stand as testaments to the optimistic future of Cambodia-South Korea relations. By bridging gaps through beneficial agreements, the two nations are on track not only to bolster their economic prospects together but also to create meaningful pathways for their citizens.
With labor shortages and export opportunities effectively tackled through these partnerships, South Korea and Cambodia can pave the way for enhanced cultural exchange and economic synergy, creating win-win outcomes for all involved. Looking forward, the collaborative efforts between the two nations will likely set precedence for future agreements across multiple sectors, fostering prosperity through unity.