Australia-Korea Business Council

Australia-Korea Business Council The Australia-Korea Business Council exists on behalf of its members and seeks to develop business re

📢 EVENT 📢Celebrate Seollal (Lunar New Year) with the AKBC! 🔥We are hosting a special evening bringing together members o...
05/01/2026

📢 EVENT 📢

Celebrate Seollal (Lunar New Year) with the AKBC! 🔥

We are hosting a special evening bringing together members of the business community to celebrate Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, while strengthening connections across the Australia–Korea corridor. This event is supported by AKBC member Gilbert + Tobin.

Guests will enjoy light refreshments and beverages featuring Korean-inspired flavours in an informal networking setting designed to encourage conversation, shared experiences and relationship building.

Seollal is one of the most significant holidays in Korea, traditionally spent with family to honour ancestors, share food and welcome the Lunar New Year. While the Seollal holiday period falls on 16–18 February in 2026, this celebration has been scheduled for the following week to allow our Korean members and community to observe the holiday with their families in accordance with tradition.

2026 marks the Year of the Red Horse, a zodiac sign associated with energy, independence and progress 🔥. As we welcome the year ahead, this event provides an opportunity to reflect on the cultural significance of Seollal while looking forward to continued collaboration and growth in the Australia–Korea business relationship.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Tuesday, 24 February 2026
🕓 Time: 4.45 PM – 7.00 PM AWST
📍 Location: Gilbert + Tobin, Ground Floor Conference Facilities
Brookfield Place Tower 2, 123 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
💡 Price: FREE for all attendees

This event is open to both AKBC Members and non-members.

👉 Register now via the link: https://akbc.glueup.com/event/akbc-seollal-celebration-in-perth-164490/

This Multicultural Grassroots Initiative grant activity received grant funding from the Australian Government.

🥂✨ Happy New Year from all of us at the Australia–Korea Business Council 🎊🎆 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse in the As...
01/01/2026

🥂✨ Happy New Year from all of us at the Australia–Korea Business Council 🎊🎆

2026 is the year of the Fire Horse in the Asian zodiac year. The Horse symbolises energy, independence, and forward momentum, while the fire element represents passion, dynamism, and transformation. Together, the Fire Horse is associated with bold action, ambition, and progress. As we step into 2026, we look ahead to a year defined by strengthened connections between Australia and Korea. 🔥

While the new calendar year begins today, we also look ahead to Seollal (Lunar New Year) on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, the most significant celebration in Korea. If you are in Perth, do not forget to join us on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, to celebrate Seollal with our community. Registrations are now open 👇
https://akbc.glueup.com/event/akbc-seollal-celebration-in-perth-164490/

Thank you to our members, partners, and community for your continued support.

Wishing everyone a year of growth, collaboration, and shared success.

#2026

📣 𝗔𝗞𝗕𝗖 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 📣⁠At the Australia–Korea Business Council (AKBC), we are proud to fa...
29/12/2025

📣 𝗔𝗞𝗕𝗖 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 📣⁠
At the Australia–Korea Business Council (AKBC), we are proud to facilitate meaningful conversations that deepen connections between Australia and South Korea.⁠

Last month, AKBC Member Harmony Agriculture & Food Company hosted H.E. Jeff Robinson, Australian Ambassador to Korea, at their Melbourne office for an engaging discussion on the evolving trade relationship between Australia and Korea. ⁠

Here is what Anthony Fellows, CEO of Harmony Agriculture & Food Company, shared about the roundtable:

💬 “It was a pleasure to host H.E. Jeff Robinson, Australian Ambassador to Korea, at our Melbourne office this week, alongside the members of the Australia–Korea Business Council (AKBC). The roundtable discussion was informative and forward-looking, and provided meaningful insights into the evolving trade relationship between Australia and Korea.

Thank you to AKBC for facilitating this important and valuable discussion and thank you to Ambassador Robinson, for your continued efforts in strengthening the Australia–Korea partnership. We sincerely appreciate your leadership, engagement and commitment. These shared values align deeply with Harmony Agriculture & Food Company as we continue building international relationships and trade partnerships across Asia.”⁠

Thank you, Anthony, for your reflections and partnership in strengthening Australia–Korea business ties. 🇦🇺🇰🇷⁠

📩 Follow us or sign up for our monthly eNewsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the Australia–Korea corridor 👉 https://akbc.glueup.com/org/akbc/subscriptions/

Merry Christmas from all of us at the Australia-Korea Business Council. 🎄 As the year comes to a close, we would like to...
25/12/2025

Merry Christmas from all of us at the Australia-Korea Business Council. 🎄

As the year comes to a close, we would like to express our gratitude to our members, partners, and followers for your continued support.

💡 Did you know? Christmas is observed quite differently in Korea compared to Australia. In Korea, Christmas is often considered a romantic occasion, with many choosing to spend the day with their friends and partners rather than with their families. Shops generally open early and close late, and people enjoy the festive lights and activities with friends and loved ones.

We wish you a wonderful Christmas and an even brighter New Year! 🌟

🎉 AKBC 2025 Wrap-Up 🎉As 2025 comes to an end, we reflect on a year marked by significant growth, strengthened relationsh...
22/12/2025

🎉 AKBC 2025 Wrap-Up 🎉

As 2025 comes to an end, we reflect on a year marked by significant growth, strengthened relationships and increased engagement across the Australia–Korea corridor. This year, AKBC delivered major events, welcomed new member companies, expanded our training offerings and launched new initiatives to support businesses navigating the Korean market.

Some of our key highlights included:
🔹 Delivering high-level events across Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, bringing together senior government, industry leaders and AKBC Members;
🔹 Expanding our membership base with organisations committed to deepening Australia–Korea commercial ties;
🔹 Launching new public training programs designed to equip businesses with the cultural and commercial knowledge needed to operate confidently in Korea; and
🔹 Providing tailored insights, briefings and member support throughout the year.

Swipe through to revisit some of our standout moments from 2025 ✨

💡 What was your favourite AKBC event this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below ⬇️

📢 Plan ahead for 2026! List of public holidays in Korea 📢 For 2026, we have created a go-to list of public holidays in K...
19/12/2025

📢 Plan ahead for 2026! List of public holidays in Korea 📢

For 2026, we have created a go-to list of public holidays in Korea. We recommend saving these dates in your calendar to help with your business planning and communications with your Korean stakeholders, as their offices are typically closed during these holiday periods.

💡Did you know? It is a common Korean business custom to send small gifts on traditional public holidays like Seollal and Chuseok to show appreciation and strengthen relationships.

If you would like guidance on appropriate gift-giving customs, we provide tailored training programs on Mastering the Korean Business Landscape. We will also be running public training programs next year, so get in touch here 👉 https://www.akbc.com.au/mastering-korean-business-landscape

📢 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 📢 Australian Space company Southern Launch has signed a contract with South Korean launch service provider INNOSP...
18/12/2025

📢 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 📢

Australian Space company Southern Launch has signed a contract with South Korean launch service provider INNOSPACE to conduct space missions from the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex and the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia. The agreement will commence in 2026 and is set to run for at least the next decade, enabling a range of orbital satellite launches and suborbital technology demonstration missions.

This agreement represents a significant step forward in Australia–Korea collaboration in the space sector, highlighting growing cooperation between the two countries in advanced technology capability.

📩 Follow us, or sign up for our monthly eNewsletter to stay up-to-date on news in the Australia-Korea corridor 👉 https://akbc.glueup.com/org/akbc/subscriptions/

Read more below 👇
https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/southern-launch-to-host-space-missions-for-innospace

📢 Office Closure 📢The AKBC office will be closed from Friday, 19 December 2025, to Sunday, 4 January 2026, and will reop...
16/12/2025

📢 Office Closure 📢

The AKBC office will be closed from Friday, 19 December 2025, to Sunday, 4 January 2026, and will reopen on Monday, 5 January 2026.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ✨

📢 NEWS 📢AKBC welcomes the news that today Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has approved Hanwha’s proposal to increase its ...
12/12/2025

📢 NEWS 📢

AKBC welcomes the news that today Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has approved Hanwha’s proposal to increase its shareholding in WA-based shipbuilder Austal to 19.9 per cent. This decision, made after extensive consultation, underscores the Government’s confidence in Hanwha as a trusted partner and reflects the growing strategic and industrial alignment between Australia and Korea.

Hanwha Group already has operations in Australia, through its subsidiary Hanwha Defence Australia, which has rapidly become one of Australia’s most significant defence industry investors. The company has secured two major Commonwealth programs including LAND 400 Phase 3, supplying Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles, and LAND 8116, delivering self-propelled howitzers and armoured resupply vehicles manufactured in Geelong. Hanwha’s deepening presence here strengthens Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability, supports sovereign defence objectives and enhances bilateral cooperation in high-technology defence systems.

Today’s development paves the way for an even stronger Australia–Korea relationship. As Australia prepares to award billions in future naval and defence programs, trusted partnerships with Korean companies such as Hanwha will play an increasingly important role in strengthening shared security interests, diversifying supply chains and building a modern, resilient industrial base.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Korea–Australia Business Partnership Forum in Sydney! 🇦🇺🇰🇷 On Tuesday, 9 Dece...
11/12/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Korea–Australia Business Partnership Forum in Sydney! 🇦🇺🇰🇷

On Tuesday, 9 December 2025, the Australia–Korea Business Council (AKBC), in partnership with KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) and the Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea in Sydney, and with the support of Austrade, co-hosted the Korea–Australia Business Partnership Forum. KOTRA and Austrade are AKBC members.

The forum provided valuable insights into emerging opportunities for investment and collaboration in New South Wales and examined the geopolitical forces shaping bilateral relations. Korean and Australian business leaders also discussed the opportunities and challenges in critical minerals and the energy transition.

We were pleased to have Clare Pope, Member of the Board Director of the Australia–Korea Business Council, speak on opportunities to shape the future of bilateral economic ties, highlighting the importance of deepening cooperation as both countries navigate this era of transition and growth. The program also featured in-depth presentations on Australia’s and NSW’s Critical Minerals and Renewable Energy Strategies, alongside case studies from leading industry experts.

We were honoured to welcome senior representatives from government and industry, Mr. Yong-jun Choi, Consul-General, Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea in Sydney, Mr. Bon Kyung Koo, Regional Director General for Southeast Asia & Oceania at KOTRA, and from our top tier AKBC members, POSCO Australia, POSCO International, Eastpoint Partners and ASM, and our Korean corporate members, Ark Energy, Samsung C&T, Samsung SDS.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to all AKBC members, partners, and guests who contributed to this successful event. Your participation continues to strengthen business ties across the Australia–Korea corridor.

📩 Not an AKBC member yet? Non-members are eligible to attend two AKBC events. To engage more deeply in the Australia–Korea business corridor, join and become part of our growing network. 👉 https://akbc.glueup.com/org/akbc/subscriptions/

📣 𝗔𝗞𝗕𝗖 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 📣⁠At the Australia–Korea Business Council (AKBC), we are proud to fa...
08/12/2025

📣 𝗔𝗞𝗕𝗖 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 📣⁠
At the Australia–Korea Business Council (AKBC), we are proud to facilitate meaningful conversations that deepen connections between Australia and South Korea.⁠

On 3 November we hosted the Australia–South Korea Strategic Insights Post‑APEC event, in collaboration with PwC Australia in their Perth office. The discussion focused on the evolving trade relationship between Australia and Korea.

Martina Crowley, Perth Managing Partner, PwC Australia, said:
💬 “I recently hosted a fireside chat with Australia’s Ambassador to South Korea. The discussion sparked some interesting debate and we appreciated AKBC’s collaboration in bringing together participants from the business community.

The Ambassador provided perspectives and context on developments in the Australia–Korea trade relationship, and attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and network.

We welcome future opportunities to collaborate with AKBC."

📩 Follow us or sign up for our monthly eNewsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the Australia–Korea corridor 👉 https://akbc.glueup.com/org/akbc/subscriptions/

📢 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 📢Who loves K-Pop, K-Drama and K-culture! Australia’s National Museum is bringing the Korean Wave (Hallyu) to Canb...
05/12/2025

📢 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 📢
Who loves K-Pop, K-Drama and K-culture!

Australia’s National Museum is bringing the Korean Wave (Hallyu) to Canberra! The Hallyu exhibition developed by the 'Victoria and Albert Museum' in London that explores one of the world’s most influential cultural movements.

Showcasing more than 200 objects, the exhibition highlights the global rise of Korean pop culture — from K-pop idol costumes and interactive dance displays to K-drama props, fashion, beauty and stories from dedicated fandoms that helped turn a local trend into an international phenomenon.

Alongside the exhibition, the Museum will host a range of public programs, including:
🔹K-Opening weekend celebrations, with family-friendly activities, workshops, talks and cultural experiences (13–14 December 2025)
🔹K-pop dance performances by leading groups such as DARE Dance Crew and Serendipity, dance crews known for their choreogrphy and K-Pop cover dances
🔹Korean food & lakeside DJ sessions, featuring Korean fried chicken, mandu and a limited-edition Capital Brewing “Hallyu brew”

The exhibition invites audiences to explore the creativity, innovation and influence behind Korea’s global cultural impact — a reminder of the strong people-to-people ties that continue to shape Australia–Korea relations. The exhibition starts on the 12 December. If you're in Canberra, don't miss out!

Explore more below 👇
https://www.nma.gov.au/hallyu/exhibition

📩 Follow us, or sign up for our monthly eNewsletter to stay up-to-date on news in the Australia-Korea corridor 👉 https://akbc.glueup.com/org/akbc/subscriptions/

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Melbourne, VIC

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