South Korean leader seeks closer ties with Britain

President Yoon Suk Yeol received a ceremonial welcome in London today as he embarked on the first state visit to Britain by a South Korean leader in a decade, in a bid to strengthen trade, technology and defence ties with the UK.

That Yoon is the first world leader to be hosted by King Charles III since his coronation signals that Seoul is an increasingly important ally for Britain as it seeks to consolidate influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Tonight, Yoon and his wife Kim Keon Hee will enjoy a state banquet hosted by the monarch at Buckingham Palace. Tomorrow, Yoon and his entourage of 70 business leaders will meet with the Prime Minister and trade secretary Kemi Badenoch.

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