The list of ambassadors from Germany to South Korea began after the Federal Republic of Germany (then West Germany, today Germany) recognised the Republic of Korea (South Korea) in December 1955. The official title of this diplomat is "Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Korea." Historical relations Diplomatic relations between the German Empire and Korea were established in 1883, during the Gründerzeit period of the German Empire and the Joseon Dynasty period of Korean history. However, the Korean Empire lost its right to conduct foreign policy due to the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905. Germany did not recognise the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in exile in Shanghai (the self-asserted successor to the Korean Empire). The consuls-general and consuls of the German Empire to the Joseon Dynasty and then the Korean Empire were: Capt. Zembisch, appointed November 18, 1884 H. Budler, acting consul-general from August 11, 1885 T. Kempermann, appointed May 17, 1886 F. Krien, acting consul-general May 22, 1887; appointed April 27, 1889 F. Reinsdorf, acting consul from December 5, 1898 H. Weipert, acting consul from April 1, 1900; appointed September 29, 1900 List of heads of mission Ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Korea Richard Hertz, 1956–1960 Karl Bunger, 1960–1964 Franz Ferring, 1964–1969 Wilfried Sarrazin, 1969–1975 Karl Leuteritz, 1975–1980 Wolfgang Eger, 1980–1985 Jűrgen Kleiner, 1985–1992 Dieter Siemes, 1992–1995 Claus Vollers, 1995–2000 Hubertus von Morr, 2000–2003 Michael Geier, 2003–2006 Norbert Baas, 2006–2009 Hans-Ulrich Seidt, 2009–2012 Rolf Mafael, 2012–2016 Stephen Auer, 2016–2020 Michael Reiffenstuel, 2020–present See also Germany-Korea Treaty of 1883 List of diplomatic missions in South Korea Notes References Halleck, Henry Wager. (1861). International law: or, Rules regulating the intercourse of states in peace and war. New York: D. Van Nostrand. OCLC 852699 Korean Mission to the Conference on the Limitation of Armament, Washington, D.C., 1921-1922. (1922). Korea's Appeal to the Conference on Limitation of Armament. Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office. OCLC 12923609 South Korea Germany