Singapore’s Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Lawrence Wong, will travel to South Korea later today, October 29 in a visit expected to last until November 2 - a dual-mission to attend the upcoming Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju and then to undertake an official visit to Seoul, at the invitation of Korean President Lee Jae Myung, The Straits Times reports.

In Gyeongju, the summit of 21 economies will focus on promoting trade and investment, harnessing new technologies such as artificial intelligence for trade, and responding to demographic changes in the Asia-Pacific region. Following this gathering, Wong and President Lee will formally upgrade bilateral relations between Singapore and the ROK to a “strategic partnership”.

While Singapore is not seen as one of the ‘big names’ attending the APEC summit, for the island state, the trip will reinforce its recent Asian swing and underscores an ongoing dual-track diplomatic effort: first, participation in multilateral economic diplomacy at the main APEC event, and then a bilateral upgrade with a key Asian partner. In doing so, it is understood Wong will be pushing talks on deeper cooperation in the economic, technological, people to people, and possibly defence sectors.

According to The Straits Times, the visit will be Wong’s first trip to South Korea since he assumed office in May 2024, and the first by a Singaporean prime minister since 2019 – in part to recognise the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations,

The Singapore delegation to Gyeongju will include Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Sim Ann, and officials from the PMO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Trade and Industry the PM’s office has said.

In Seoul, Wong is scheduled to attend a wreath-laying at the Seoul National Cemetery and meet overseas Singaporeans at a reception.