South Korea’s Trade Official to Visit Alaska for LNG Project Assessment

The visit comes as the Alaska LNG project becomes a focal point in U.S.-South Korea trade talks, with potential links to tariff negotiations.

South Korea’s Second Vice Industry Minister Choi Nam-ho announced plans to visit Alaska to evaluate the feasibility of the $44 billion LNG project.
The project is being discussed as part of U.S.-South Korea trade negotiations, with potential concessions on auto tariffs tied to South Korea's participation.
The proposed Alaska LNG pipeline would shorten transportation distances to Northeast Asia, potentially offsetting higher production costs.
Technical hurdles, including constructing a 1,300-kilometer pipeline through permafrost, have previously deterred major energy companies like ExxonMobil and BP.
Critics warn against hasty commitments, citing risks of policy shifts under future U.S. administrations and long-term financial uncertainties.