From August 9-11, the Korea Foundation held the 2018 KF Public Diplomacy Youth Camp at Sungkyunkwan University’s Myeongryun Haksa (Victory House) in Seoul. Over the three days, a total of 19 students from 18 high schools across Korea participated in the camp to learn about the theory and practice of public diplomacy.

The camp began with greeting remarks by Director Ahn Mihee of the KF Global Center. Afterwards, participants had an opportunity to get to know one another through games and activities.

Petri Kalliola, a former Project Coordinator of the Embassy of Finland who became a well-known TV personality in Korea, delivered a lecture with the title “Public Diplomacy: Performance of Diplomacy in the 21st Century.” Through his meaningful lecture, participants learned about the concept of public diplomacy and how it is implemented.

On the second day of the camp, the students visited the Korea Foundation, the Republic of Korea’s designated public diplomacy organization, to learn about the Foundation’s public diplomacy programs and other activities. They also visited the current exhibition at the KF Gallery, “Land of the Pacific Embrace.” Thereafter, they attended a lecture on bilateral relations between Colombia and the Republic of Korea by Ms. Olga Molina, the Minister Counselor in charge of Political Affairs at the Embassy of Colombia. The day provided participants with first-hand experiences of public diplomacy.

Grouped into several teams, the students then organized and implemented their own public diplomacy activities to introduce Korea to foreigners in Insa-dong, Samcheong-dong and neighborhoods near Gwanghwamun and Seoul City Hall.

Team members also engaged in lively discussions on various themes related to public diplomacy as part of a public diplomacy debate competition.

The camp provided the students with a chance to communicate with other participants from across the country and learn about various aspects of public diplomacy and international exchange. At the Korea Foundation, we hope that all participants will meet again as they engage in public diplomacy activities to introduce multiple aspects of Korea.