The 2015 Korean Language and Culture Program for Diplomats, which enables diplomatic staff from around the world to acquire a better understanding of Korea, held a field trip for the program’s participants on May 6-8. A group of 44 diplomats from 42 countries had a chance to tour Gyeongju, Ulsan, and Busan, getting a glimpse of Korea’s past and contemporary development. The participants were able to experience life in Korea outside of Seoul while viewing cultural attractions of the Silla era (57 BC–AD 935), such as Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Anapji Pond, along with visiting Hyundai Motors and Hyundai Heavy Industries for a firsthand look at the country’s industrial prowess, and enjoying sightseeing at Nurimaru APEC House, Haeundae Beach, and Jagalchi Market in Busan.

Held from March through May, the 2015 Korean Language and Culture Program for Diplomats concluded its three-month program on May 28 with completion ceremony to acknowledge the earnest efforts of the participants. Hosted at Kyung Hee University’s Institute of International Education (IIE), the ceremony included the presence of dignitaries from the embassies of Ghana and Costa Rica, who were on hand to personally congratulate their fellow compatriots for their completion of the program. A ceremony to present completion certificates and special awards was followed by congratulatory remarks from Keum-jin Yoon, KF Executive Vice President, and Cho Hyun-yong, Dean of the IIE. Of particular note, the graduation speeches of Vee Chansa-Ngavej of Thailand and Renée Lloyd of Jamaica, along with video highlights of the program activities, resulted in an enthusiastic response from the audience. The KF looks forward to having the program graduates play a vital role as bridges between their countries and Korea.

• Korean Studies Department
  02-2046-8641 / hjlee@kf.or.kr