Turkish President to Visit South Korea as Deputy President Assumes Acting Role

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will travel to Seoul, South Korea, at the invitation of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The visit is scheduled for November 1 to 4, 2026, according to the Communications Directorate.

Official talks will take place on Tuesday, November 3. The two leaders will discuss all aspects of the strategic partnership between Turkey and South Korea, as well as current regional and global issues.

“I welcome President Erdoğan's state visit sincerely together with our people. Welcome, Mr. President!”

Several agreements are expected to be signed during the visit to strengthen the foundation of bilateral relations. South Korea's president said he looks forward to expanding cooperation in defense industry, economy, energy, and other fields.

The visit occurs ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027. Lee noted that Turkish-South Korean ties date back to the Korean War and have developed into a strategic partnership.

While Erdoğan is abroad, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz will serve as acting president. An official notice published in the Official Gazette on November 2 states that the acting authority will last until the president returns to Turkey.

The delegation is based on Article 106 of the Turkish Constitution, which allows the vice president to use presidential powers when the president is temporarily absent due to travel abroad. The decision was communicated to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.