South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol commenced his weeklong trip to Central Asia with a two-day state visit to Turkmenistan, where he was warmly received by President Serdar Berdymukhamedov. The visit aimed at strengthening cooperation in crucial sectors, particularly in the field of critical minerals. Yoon was accorded high honors, including a mounted guard of honor escort to the presidential palace and a special Korean-style dinner featuring veal dishes tailored to Korean tastes. The dinner was accompanied by a musical performance encompassing traditional Turkmen and South Korean music. This visit holds significant importance as it marks Yoon's first official trip to Central Asia since assuming office in May 2022, and his first overseas visit since his state visit to the Netherlands in December last year. The warm reception and the focus on deepening cooperation in vital sectors underscore the strategic significance of South Korea's engagement with Turkmenistan and the broader Central Asian region.