KF뉴스레터-As We Greet 2001

As We Greet 2001

The year 2001 is the first year of the new millennium and an especially meaningful one for the Korea Foundation as it marks the tenth anniversary of our founding. The beginning of a new millennium and the dawn of a new century means much more than simply a new start. The next 100 years will bring about greater changes than have been experienced in the last thousand years of human history, and may even see upheaval that could threaten the very existence of human society. The Foundation, with its short history of just ten years, must therefore not fail to properly re-evaluate its position in the face of such immense changes. History teaches that all things in existence, whether organisms or organizations, that cannot adapt to their changing environment will slowly lose their reason for existence.

In order to adapt to the historical changes taking place in our environment, the Foundation has to change. But to change in order to adapt does not necessarily mean that everything must begin from scratch. Sometimes maintaining continuity can provide the means for surviving during times of upheaval, while at other times the wisdom to deal appropriately with change can be found in tradition. The most important thing is to remain and aware of the times and the state of society, and maintain a positive attitude toward one's work, always keeping in mind the reason for the existence of the Foundation and exploring ways to better contribute to society. In doing so the Foundation hopes not only to be able to adapt to our fast-changing society and the rapid pace of globalization, but also to play an active role in promoting change in the right direction.

On the occasion of its tenth anniversary, the Foundation is planning to host a seminar at the end of the year entitled ?orea? Interface with the World: Two Centuries of Cultural Globalization,?as a means of evaluating the work it has achieved so far. The seminar is designed to help us accurately assess Korea? position in the eyes of the world in order to better promote the country and its culture, and we look forward to the support and interest of all those who have participated in and watched over our projects in the past.

As a result of our efforts over the past ten years, Korean galleries have been established in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Museum in London, and the Guimet Museum in Paris. At the same time, the Foundation has laid a solid framework for the expansion of Korean studies courses in some of the leading universities in Europe and the United States. We are now exploring the expansion of our exchange and support projects from the United States and Europe to regions elsewhere in the world. Because of limited resources, it is inevitable that subject areas for specific projects are carefully selected, and as the territory covered by our programs expands, so too does the burden and responsibility that falls on the shoulders of the Foundation staff.

This year, the Foundation will also be focusing on educational and cultural projects designed to increase understanding of Korea among foreigners residing in the country in a belief that promoting a proper understanding of Korea internationally must begin at home. By establishing closer contact with the foreign community in Korea and gaining an understanding of their culture and way of life and thinking, we hope to be able to promote their deeper understanding of our own. With 2001 designated as Visit Korea Year and with the World Cup coming up in 2002, the number of foreign visitors to Korea is expected to increase sharply, making the work of the Foundation that much more important.

For these events, we intend to make systematic efforts to secure a broad base of volunteer workers, including the participation of Foundation staff and those who have taken an active interest in our international exchange projects over the years.

Of course, we will also be continuing our existing programs for the support of overseas research institutes, personnel exchanges, scholarships for Korean studies, cultural exchanges, publication, and reference materials distribution. Fortunately, those projects that have called for heavy financial backing, such as establishing Korean studies professorships and Korean galleries in overseas museums, have reached the end of their first stages, which should enable the Foundation to offer more substantial support in such areas as providing scholarships to students of Korean studies. In recognition of the importance of this area and the need to boost the management and support system for scholarship recipients, the Foundation established a separate Fellowship Program Team during its recent reorganization. Though the ive of this program may remain the same, we hope to better rationalize and increase the efficiency of its implementation while reducing the inconveniences that have arisen with past recipients. The Foundation staff will also be encouraged to go beyond customary ways of doing things and develop more creative approaches to their work.

In today's environment, where the revolution in information and telecommunications has brought the world not just within a day? reach but within instant contact, it is no exaggeration to say that success increasingly depends on the proper management of one? image. In this respect, the mission and responsibility of the Foundation, as the sole comprehensive organization in Korea pursuing international exchange, are more important than ever. It is at this moment in time, however, that we have run into difficulties in increasing the Foundation? financial resources due to the administration? reform efforts. Nonetheless, though we may have to put up with a reduction in funding, as a civic organization established to promote international exchange we will maintain our autonomy and independence in the execution of our mission. Although the Foundation will make efforts to secure increased resources from the government, we must realize that in the future it will be difficult to pursue international exchange suited to Korea? economic standing and future long-term interests without the support and interest of the business sector and private individuals. As such, the efficient management and use of volunteer workers will become an important element in determining the quality of the Foundation? programs, and we look forward to an enthusiastic response in this regard.

It is perhaps natural to run into difficulties when trying to do something worthwhile. But I am confident that over the last decade the Foundation has built up the ability to overcome today? financial difficulties thanks to its accumulated wisdom and experience. In closing, then, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and best wishes for a Happy New Year to all those in Korea and overseas who have extended to us their keen interest and generous support.

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As We Greet 2001

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