About the Ambassador

Annyeong haseyo!

My name is Ugo Astuto, the European Union’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (RoK). Originally from Italy, I entered the Italian Diplomatic Service in 1991. Since then, I have served in Italian Embassies in Nairobi and London, in the Permanent Representation in Brussels and in the Embassy in Delhi. From February 2013 until July 2016 I was seconded to the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels, first as Director for South and South East Asia and then as Deputy Managing Director/Director for Asia and the Pacific. Then until 2019, I was the Principal Director for Asia in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome. From 2019 to 2023, I served as the Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to India and Bhutan. Up until coming to Korea, I served as Alternate Political Director for G7/G20 matters in the MFA in Rome.

The Republic of Korea and the EU have a strong strategic partnership grounded in the shared values of democracy and respect for human rights. We believe in effective multilateralism, open, free and fair trade and the rules-based international order. During my mandate, I will work to further expand cooperation in a future-oriented and mutually beneficial way in all facets of the EU-Korea strategic partnership, such as trade, the green and digital transition but also security and defence.  The EU will continue to engage actively with the RoK for a more secure, peaceful and prosperous world. 

Please, stay connected with us through our website and social media (@EUinKorea) for updates and events! We look forward to continuing our journey together.