The United Nations (UN) has played an important role in Korea's diplomacy since the Korean government was established in 1948. In 1949, Korea joined the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Universal Post Union (UPU), and the World Health Organization (WHO). As shown on the map, the number of the UN or UN-affiliated organizations that Korea has joined reaches 26. When Korea became a member of United Nations in 1991, Korea found itself in a better position for international cooperation. Korea has also served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and as a member of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). In addition, Korea served as the chair of the 56th UN General Assembly. In 2007, Ban Ki-moon from Korea was inaugurated as the 8th UN Secretary General.

   As of 2013, Korea has also joined 82 intergovernmental organizations for multilateral collaboration to deal with international issues in the global economy, resource development, international cooperation and development, disease control, and environmental protection.

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