In strictly objective terms, Mongolia is far from a major global player. Its population of about 3.3 million is roughly similar to Puerto Rico. Its annual gross domestic product in 2021 was just over US$15 billion, around 130th among all countries and territories.

Yet the vast, landlocked nation is also rich in natural resources and has positioned itself as a neutral party in regional disputes, two things that have not escaped the notice of South Korea in recent years.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1990, South Korea and Mongolia elevated their ties to a “comprehensive partnership” in 2011