This year marks two decades since the deployment of the South Korean army to Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Zaytun Division arrived in September 2004, joining the U.S.-led coalition to free Iraq from Saddam Hussein’s regime. 

The people of Kurdistan warmly embraced the South Korean troops and until their departure in December 2008, they played a vital role in peacekeeping and reconstruction efforts. This deployment laid the foundation for a unique and enduring relationship between the Kurdistan Region and South Korea.

On this momentous occasion, Kurdistan Chronicle sat down with South Korea’s Consul General in Erbil, Seungcheol Lim, to discuss the current state of relations and potential areas for further cooperation.

According to Lim, the bond between South Korea and the Kurdistan Region is built on two key pillars. “First,” he explained, “our histories share a remarkable resemblance. Both Koreans and Kurds yearn for peace. We have no history of aggression; our desire is solely self-defense.”

The second pillar stems from the Zaytun Division, with more than 3,000 South Korean soldiers leaving a lasting legacy during their deployment by constructing 59 schools and 16 hospitals and contributing directly to the region’s development. Additionally, extensive media coverage in South Korea showcased the Kurdish people for the first time, highlighting their distinct identity within the Middle East. This exposure, Lim emphasizes, fostered positive sentiment on both sides.

“Furthermore, when ISIS made significant territorial gains in Iraq, the Kurdish people, through their brave peshmerga forces, stood their ground and defended their land. Their firm patriotism in the face of such adversity resonated deeply with the Korean people, as well as with the international community,” he added.

Lim arrived in the Kurdistan Region six months ago and shared his initial impressions. He recalled how, as his plane approached Erbil International Airport, he observed buildings, hotels, and an aura of progress akin to that of any bustling metropolis in the developed world. This surprised him, as he had expected Kurdistan to be very underdeveloped.

“After that, I met more Kurdish people and discovered their cleverness, patience, devotion, and patriotism,” he said. “I felt that the eyes of most people were alive.”

Following the withdrawal of South Korean troops from the Kurdistan Region in 2008, both parties entered a new phase of cultural exchange. Over a thousand trainees from the region visited South Korea and learned about Korean culture. K-pop and K-movies were introduced to Kurdistan society, and K-dramas were frequently broadcast on Kurdish television channels dubbed in Kurdish. Meanwhile, Kurdish history and hospitality were introduced to Korean society. 

Lim believes that the relationship can mature even further, and that it is now time for intellectuals and opinion leaders to start exchanging ideas.

“South Korea’s experience can help the people of Kurdistan create an economic development strategy that will change the nature of the Kurdistan Region’s economic power,” stated Consul General Lim.

He went on to explain why it is critical for the Kurdistan Region to invest substantially in its human resources and social capital, as well as harvest the intelligence and capacities of its own people to develop the region. 

“You can bring smart foreign people from outside to do a job, but it’s better to depend on the smart Kurdistan people, who know their best path to economic development, since they work with patriotism and sincere dedication,” he elaborated.

The Korean model

As an example, Lim outlined the factors that contributed to South Korea’s economic success story. In the early 1960s, it was one of the poorest countries in the world, lacking financial means for economic development and relying heavily on foreign help.

He emphasized that collaboration and trust have been key drivers in South Korea’s economic progress, while the Economic Planning Board (EPB) and Korea Development Institute (KDI) nurtured collaboration and confidence. The EPB provided strong leadership for coordination, whereas KDI conducted professional economic development studies that the public could trust. 

Added to this was South Korean leadership’s capacity to use talent, give trust, and communicate effectively, which created a synergistic effect, while the consistent dedication and intellectual rigor of the people who actively collaborated with government programs, as well as their respect for the leadership, became powerful growth engines.

Lim sees similar potential in Kurdistan. The region boasts wealthy individuals, successful companies, and a talented workforce, both domestically and abroad. However, a lack of trust hinders progress. 

“If there is no trust in Kurdish society, both money and talent will flee. However, if there is trust, both talent and money will gather. You cannot suddenly create trust that does not exist. It is best to harness the trust that already exists and connect it to the economy. A system can be formed so that trust between friends and tribes becomes the driving force of economic development,” he said.

Lim also spoke about the initiative that he launched, Du Ks Eco, which stands for Korea and Kurdistan Economy, and whose basic idea is the establishment of strategies for Kurdistan’s development.

He noted that Kurdistan will have limitless prospects if schools are constructed in line with Korean educational standards and with the vision of fostering educational synergy. For instance, Kurds who went to South Korea for training can now use their experiences to make significant contributions, paving the way for innovative educational breakthroughs. 

“Kurdistan can take lessons from South Korea’s success by exploiting its excellent human resources and establishing trust as the foundation of its economic growth.”

Tourism: beyond scenic beauty

Every day, thousands of tourists from Iraq visit the Kurdistan Region, which is rich in beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and bustling markets. According to the Kurdistan Regional Government, 35,000 Iraqi visitors spent the three-day Eid al-Fitr holiday last month in the region.

But landscapes, waterfalls, and markets are not enough; attracting more tourists, especially international visitors, requires a stronger narrative. Lim emphasized the importance of storytelling, highlighting Kurdistan’s rich history, religious diversity, and unique culture. Even tragic events like Halabja, when presented thoughtfully, can hold immense historical significance. 

“Look at Halabja,” he said. “Although it is a tragic story, it can be very attractive to foreign intellectual tourists.”

Lim also urged Kurds not to a have hostile attitude toward Iraqi Arabs, citing the example of Japan and Korea. “For us Japanese people were not easy to accept, but later this changed. I want to say that even now we have more opportunities to understand each other.”

Qassim Khidhir has 15 years of experience in journalism and media development in Iraq. He has contributed to both local and international media outlets.