Ministry of Commerce (1948-1993) The ministry began in 1948 as the Ministry of Commerce during the
First Republic. In 1993, it was merged with the Ministry of Energy, established in 1977. A year later the ministry changed its name to Ministry of Trade and Energy.
Ministry of Trade and Energy (1994-1998) In 1998, it transferred trade negotiation duties to the foreign ministry changing its name to Ministry of Industry and Energy.
Ministry of Industry and Energy (1998-2008) In 1998, it changed its name to Ministry of Industry and Energy, not changing any fundamental structures.
Ministry of Knowledge Economy (2008-2013) In 2008, it was restructured into Ministry of Knowledge Economy following newly elected president
Lee Myung-bak's cabinet reorganization.
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (2013-2025) In 2013, following President
Park Geun-hye's cabinet reorganisation the ministry was restructured into the current form bringing back trade negotiation duties from the foreign ministry. In 2017, it delegated duties related to SMEs to newly created
Ministry of SMEs and Startups under President
Moon Jae-in. In 2018, it added the third vice ministerial role for energy policies in addition to existing trade minister and vice minister (now 1st vice minister).
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (2025-present) In 2025, newly elected President
Lee Jae Myung's cabinet reorganisation transferred the energy sector to the
Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, another government branch that was reorganized from
Ministry of Environment. ==Headquarters==