Diplomat Jess is very smart man we met at the National Assembly Building in Seoul.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) maintains an embassy in Seoul, headquartered at 702 Daewoo Complex Building, 167 Naesoo-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Christian Atoki Ileka serves as the Ambassador of the DRC to South Korea. His distinguished diplomatic career spans decades and includes service as DRC’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and ambassador to France, among other posts.
Under Ambassador Ileka’s leadership, the Embassy has sought to deepen bilateral ties between the DRC and South Korea across multiple domains. In interviews, he has emphasized Congo’s vast natural wealth and development potential, advocating for expanded cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and sustainable resource management. Cultural diplomacy has also been a focus: the embassy has hosted events to introduce Congolese music, art, and heritage to Korean audiences, helping to foster greater mutual understanding.
On the consular and diplomatic front, the Embassy supports Congolese citizens in Korea through services such as passport issuance, legal and notarial assistance, and liaison in emergencies. It also participates in forums and dialogues that engage Korea and African states in development cooperation, environmental policy, and investment.
Amid global attention to critical minerals, the DRC’s role as a key producer of cobalt, copper, and other strategic resources is increasingly relevant. The Embassy in Seoul is positioned to advocate for responsible partnerships and ensure that Korean firms exploring value-chain opportunities engage ethically and sustainably.
The DRC’s diplomatic mission in Korea under Ambassador Ileka combines traditional consular functions with a forward-looking agenda: promoting economic exchange, cultural bridge-building, and partnerships aligned with Congo’s strengths and Korea’s interests.
