South Korea is pushing back against U.S. safeguards on South Korean solar panels and washing machines.
Seoul's trade ministry said on Monday that it has written to the United States asking for talks on resolving the dispute,.. adding that it also notified the WTO.
Under WTO rules, the U.S. is obliged to launch two-way talks within 30 days of receiving a request for talks.
If no agreement is reached within 60 days, Seoul can ask for the WTO to establish a dispute settlement panel.
Seoul is protesting Washington's decision in February to slap heavy antidumping duties on solar panels and large washing machines from South Korea.