Postwar Reconstruction
The South Korean government and private companies are plunging into Ukraine's reconstruction project, which is estimated to be worth more than 1,500 trillion won in total. The government, in partnership with Poland, Ukraine's neighboring country and the largest Ukrainian supporter within Europe, aims to secure a project worth around $52 billion (approximately 66 trillion won), attracting international attention.
Choi Sang-mok, the Presidential Chief Economic Advisor accompanying President Yoon Suk-yeol's official visit to Poland, stated in a local briefing in Warsaw, Poland, on the 13th (local time), "The Ukrainian government is striving to 'rebuild' beyond repairing war damages and to 'new build' to upgrade the national system." He expressed hope that "our technology and experience, which have led to the 'Miracle of the Han River' from ruins due to war, will be utilized in reconstruction."
Starting from the second half of this year, Ukraine plans to establish smart city master plans in Kyiv and Uman using South Korean technology. This planning process, which outlines a cutting-edge city system, is seen as an opportunity for South Korean companies to secure a foothold in various projects, such as advanced transportation systems and smart water management.
The government plans to carry out modular construction pilot projects for emergency facilities such as schools, housing, and hospitals. For the private-led project worth around $32 billion, tailored support is planned. A joint civil and private project support team will be formed for each project, and training programs, such as company visits for Ukrainian civil servants, will be initiated from this year.
The presidential office stated that President Yoon Seok-yeol, in the Korea-Poland summit held the day before, said, "Both leaders agreed that Korea and Poland could be the best partners in Ukraine's reconstruction." The collaboration between Korea, with its know-how and technology in post-war reconstruction, and Poland, a neighboring country of Ukraine which can support the reconstruction, is seen as maximizing the possibility of project success.
Last year, Poland, which imported weapons worth $13 billion (approximately 16.8 trillion won) from Korea, is also cooperating with Korea in nuclear power plants and airport and high-speed rail construction projects, areas where Korea's technological capabilities have been recognized.
The 'Korea-Poland Transportation Infrastructure Development Cooperation MOU' signed between Minister Won Hee-ryong of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Poland's Minister of Infrastructure focuses on developing east-west and north-south transportation axes in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. Agreements have also been made for mutual visits between government and company representatives, expert groups, and the operation of high-level and practical consultation bodies.
President Yoon mentioned the defense industry, which has become a catalyst for strengthening cooperation between the two countries, stating, "We have discussed plans for additional imports of Korean weapons in Poland, and we welcome Korea's participation as a leading country in the Polish International Defense Exhibition this year." He added, "The two of us have agreed to make more efforts to ensure that cooperation in the defense sector between the two countries proceeds mutually beneficially." While the additional introduction plan might take some time due to the large amount of orders last year, the possibility has been opened through dialogue between the two leaders.