Trade representatives from Korea and Colombia agreed to launch free trade agreement negotiations next month.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the first round of FTA talks will begin in Seoul on Dec. 7. The two sides will spend three days trying to hammer out a deal on the discussion's scope and format as well as a schedule for follow-up meetings.

Last year total trade between Korea and Colombia amounted to more than US$1.2 billion, with Korean-made automobiles, consumer electronics and chemical products accounting for most outbound shipments to the South American country.

Under a trade pact Korea could look forward to more exploration opportunities of natural resources in Colombia.