South Korea has named a new ambassador to China with a military background, the first since the countries established diplomatic ties.

Kim Jang-soo, 67, a former national security adviser will replace Kwon Young-se at the Beijing embassy in the middle of next month.

Kim served as national security advisor from March 2013 to May last year after working on security and diplomacy affairs on the transition team for President Park Geun-hye. He also served as defense chief from November 2006 to February 2008 under the administration of late President Roh Moo-hyun

Yonhap News Agency said Kim is the first South Korean ambassador to China with a military background since 1992 when the two countries established diplomatic relations.

It said Kim has earned the post for his extensive experience in the field of security and diplomacy.

"Kim's appointment is seen as reflecting a need to further promote cooperation with China in terms of peace and security in Northeast Asia," a source with Yonhap said.