The year 2010, which is when the Korean economy recovered from the 2008 global financial crisis, seems to have been the turning point to rerecognize China’s importance in many respects. Previously, Koreans saw China as a mere export platform for Korea. Now China has become a major economic partner, vital for Korea’s survival. As a result, in just two decades China is the only country to become a partner to Korea that engages in not only the exchange of goods but also other production factors. Thus, it is possible to make a cautious forecast that, ultimately, the economic integration between the two countries will be stronger and deeper than their integration between any other areas in the near future.