Gianforte Promotes Montana Products to South Korea, State’s Second-Largest Trading Partner

SEOUL, South Korea — Governor Greg Gianforte concluded a successful day of high-level meetings with South Korean government officials and business leaders Sunday, promoting Montana’s agricultural products, energy resources, and emerging industries to the state’s second-largest trading partner.

Montana exported $353 million in goods to South Korea in 2024, with the Asian nation purchasing over $335 million in industrial machinery, coal, beef, and wheat from the Big Sky State.

“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,” Gianforte said. “From agriculture to advanced technologies, Montana is ready to expand our partnership with Korea for shared economic growth.”

The governor began his day at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, meeting with Chargé d’Affaires Joseph “Joe” Yun to discuss Montana’s objectives in promoting wheat, beef, and energy exports, as well as exploring opportunities in quantum computing, photonics, and bioscience sectors.

Montana Department of Agriculture Director Jillien Streit joined Gianforte for a meeting 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 while exploring potential investment in Montana’s food processing sector.

At the Office of the Prime Minister, Gianforte met with Prime Minister Minseok Kim to discuss economic cooperation and investment opportunities. The governor emphasized Montana’s natural resources, energy exports, and advanced technology sectors, along with potential educational partnerships through the Mansfield Center.

“Montana may be small in population, but we are rich in resources, innovation, and opportunity,” Gianforte said. “We look forward to expanding trade and collaboration with South Korea across agriculture, energy, technology, and education.”

The governor hosted a luncheon with Korea’s major energy companies, including NavEnergy, thanking them for their ongoing purchases of Montana coal. The event highlighted Montana’s commitment to responsible mining practices and providing a secure, long-term energy supply.

In afternoon meetings, Gianforte met with Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Han-Koo Yeo, focusing on expanding trade and investment between Montana and South Korea. The discussion emphasized energy collaboration, sustainable aviation fuel, and emerging technologies such as quantum computing and photonics. The governor invited Minister Yeo to visit Montana to develop direct business ties.

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gianforte met with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who emphasized that the U.S.-South Korea alliance is “evolving to the next level in cutting-edge technology fields such as AI and shipbuilding.” The minister discussed ways to expand cooperation between Korea and Montana and requested attention to visa systems to ensure smooth entry conditions for Korean businesspeople.

Later, the governor met with Young-Mi Yoon, Chairwoman of the Korea Importers Association and founder of Highland Foods Group, along with association leadership. Montana officials presented the state as a reliable supplier of high-quality agricultural products and discussed opportunities to expand trade in beef, specialty grains, and other consumer products. Gianforte extended an invitation to association members to visit Montana to explore sourcing and value-added processing opportunities.

The day concluded with an evening networking reception hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries, bringing together over 70 Korean business leaders. The delegation highlighted Montana’s economy, leading industries, and potential investment opportunities, providing a platform for relationship-building and business dialogue.

The trade mission represents Montana’s continued push to expand international markets following Gianforte’s 2023 trade mission to Taiwan. South Korea ranks as Montana’s second-largest trading partner, while Japan—the next stop on this week’s trade mission—ranks fourth with over $265 million in Montana exports in 2024.

“Montana is known for our world-class beef, wheat, and coal, and is becoming a national leader in the bioscience industry,” Gianforte said before departing for the mission. “Building on our partnership and our successful industries, I am proud to lead a delegation to deepen our relationships and strengthen our economic ties.”