SEOUL, South Korea – Governor Greg Gianforte today met with Korean business leaders, government officials, and U.S. diplomatic partners to promote Montana’s high-quality commodities, natural resources, and emerging industries, expanding economic opportunities for Montanans and strengthening ties with South Korea.
“South Korea is an important partner for Montana, and our delegation is here to build stronger trade relationships while showcasing the innovation, quality, and resources our state has to offer,” Governor Gianforte said. “From agriculture to advanced technologies, Montana is ready to expand our partnership with Korea for shared economic growth.”
Governor Gianforte began the day at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, meeting with Chargé d’Affaires Joseph “Joe” Yun. The discussion focused on U.S.-Korea relations and Montana’s objectives in country, including promoting wheat, beef, and energy exports, as well as exploring opportunities in quantum, photonics, bioscience, and security.
The delegation, including Montana Department of Agriculture Director Jillien Streit, then met with Dr. Myung-Woo Lee, Vice Chairman of Dongwon Group, one of South Korea’s largest food processors and importers. Montana officials highlighted the state as a reliable supplier of beef, specialty grains, canola oil, and other agricultural products. The conversation also explored potential investment in Montana’s food processing sector.
Later, Governor Gianforte met with Prime Minister Minseok Kim at the Office of the Prime Minister to discuss economic cooperation and investment opportunities. The governor highlighted Montana’s natural resources, energy exports, and advanced technology sectors were highlighted, along with potential educational partnerships through the Mansfield Center’s plans for the Korea Foundation to promote cultural and economic ties.
“Montana may be small in population, but we are rich in resources, innovation, and opportunity,” Governor Gianforte said. “We look forward to expanding trade and collaboration with South Korea across agriculture, energy, technology, and education.”
Governor Gianforte then hosted a luncheon with Korea’s major energy companies, including NavEnergy, to thank them for their ongoing purchases of Montana coal. The luncheon highlighted Montana’s commitment to responsible mining practices and a secure, long-term energy supply.
In the afternoon, the governor met with Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Han-Koo Yeo at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. The high-level discussion focused on expanding trade and investment between Montana and the Republic of Korea with emphasis on energy collaboration, sustainable aviation fuel, and emerging technologies such as quantum and photonics. Gov. Gianforte highlighted Montana’s natural resources and growing tech ecosystem and invited Minister Yeo to visit Montana to further develop direct Montana Korea business ties.
The delegation then met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Hyun Cho at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Governor Gianforte thanked Minister Cho for the warm welcome and support organizing the visit. The meeting emphasized strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, and highlighted Montana’s priorities in energy, agriculture, and technology. The governor expressed appreciation for the assistance of Consul General Seo in Seattle and discussed the Mansfield Center’s plans to broaden its educational exchange initiatives to include Korea, fostering the next generation of U.S.-Korea partnership.
Later in the afternoon, Governor Gianforte met with Ms. Young-Mi Yoon, Chairwoman of the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA) and founder of Highland Foods Group, along with KOIMA leadership. Montana officials presented the state as a reliable supplier of high-quality agricultural products and discussed tangible opportunities to expand trade in beef, specialty grains, and other consumer products. Governor Gianforte extended an invitation to Chairwoman Yoon and KOIMA members to visit Montana to build deeper business relationships and explore sourcing and value-added processing opportunities.
The governor concluded the day with a meeting and evening networking reception hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries. The delegation highlighted Montana’s economy, leading industries, and potential investment opportunities. The reception brought together over 70 Korean business leaders and provided a platform for relationship-building and dialogue.
Montana exported $353 million in goods to South Korea in 2024, including wheat, beef, and energy resources. The trade mission underscores Montana’s commitment to expanding markets, attracting investment, and strengthening partnerships across both traditional and emerging industries.
The governor will continue the trade mission tomorrow in Seoul.
###
Office of the Governor
