Seoul: More than 6 in 10 South Koreans gave a positive assessment of the trade deal reached last week between Seoul and Washington, a poll showed Monday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the survey conducted by Realmeter on 1,016 adults aged over 18 on Friday revealed that 63.9 percent of respondents viewed the deal positively, while 32.3 percent had a negative view. The poll highlighted that a significant portion of the South Korean public is in favor of the recent trade agreement between the two nations.

When respondents were asked about the most significant outcome of the negotiations, 23.8 percent cited the reduction of "reciprocal" tariffs to 15 percent and securing the same conditions that were granted to competing countries. This outcome ensures that South Korea secured the same tariff rate as other key U.S. allies, including those in Europe and Japan, which is seen as a vital achievement in maintaining competitive trade relations.

Another 23.2 percent of respondents pointed to the exclusion of sensitive items, such as rice and beef, from the deal as the main achievement. Meanwhile, 17.4 percent highlighted a $150 billion investment in the U.S. shipbuilding industry as a significant outcome. This diverse range of opinions reflects the multifaceted benefits perceived by the South Korean public from the trade agreement.

Over 67 percent of those surveyed believed that the government made efforts in the negotiations, while 30.2 percent felt it did not. This indicates a general perception of proactive engagement by the South Korean government in securing favorable terms.

Last week, Seoul and Washington announced the framework of an agreement under which the U.S. lowered its "reciprocal" tariff rate for South Korea to 15 percent from the threatened 25 percent in return for Seoul's pledge to invest US$350 billion in the world's largest economy. Additionally, South Korea committed to purchasing $100 billion worth of American liquefied natural gas and other energy products over the next four years, further cementing economic ties between the two countries.

The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.