KOREA FOUNDATION

Launched in 2021, the Korea Foundation-Salzburg Global Seminar Fellowship program has connected young Korean leaders with a diverse, innovative, and global network of fellows. Through this program, fellows participate in Salzburg Global Seminar programs, a mentorship program, and a work capstone project. Here are interviews with two fellows who have participated in this program.

Namhee Joo, Postdoctoral Researcher on Cultural Heritage
“Renaissance of my mind. Having this opportunity in my life is truly an amazing privilege.”

Regarding the program

It’s really an amazing opportunity to better understand people who work in the economic field and how to get funding for projects. The program also made me see other perspectives to understand the city itself. Talking with urban planners, city governments, and all types of different stakeholders allowed me to find better solutions for the city.

Regarding the mentor

Salzburg Global Seminar connected me to Patricia Alberth, who is the head of the World Heritage Office in Bamberg, Germany. We talked about Korean and German laws and policies governing intangible cultural heritage. Understanding conservation and restoration of the heritage itself will make us understand the two countries both historically and culturally. We are planning to publish a joint article to help people better understand the two countries.

Regarding the capstone

Next year, South Korea and Austria will commemorate the 130th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties. Therefore, I would like to develop a strategy and objectives for arts and culture projects. There was a Royal Palace Festival that was streamed via a YouTube channel. It’s not exactly the same as the feeling you can enjoy on-site, but I think technology can help connect us no matter where we are. So I really want to create a better way to achieve this goal for Austria and Korea.

Recommendation to others who are interested in the KF-SGS Fellowship

All careers start from an initial interest. The time you accumulate throughout your career will eventually lead you to people who likewise strived to move forward in their careers. The KF Fellowship has allowed me to meet such people who have expanded my horizons, which is quite meaningful. I thought that my career was a difficult and lonely journey, but there was comfort in knowing that there are others just like me in this world who are trying their best to build their unique careers. The KF Fellowship gave me the opportunity to explore how my work can better benefit people and contribute to society. And that is why I recommend this program.

The full interview can be found here: https://youtu.be/Tb6XW7Jc3x0

Daniel Shin, Policy Fellow at Cambridge University
“Building a diversified community takes time and effort.”

Regarding the Program

I found that the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) topic that Salzburg Global Seminar offered was particularly engaging. Then, I found the Korea Foundation Fellowship opportunity and finally I gave it a try. Sessions that I was sitting in on were quite diverse, with people from different regions and time zones, and with varying perspectives. By nature, I am learning many new things from my work. But when you mainly hang out with the same people, it is hard to pick up new perspectives. That’s what the Salzburg Global Seminar is really good at, bridging many different ideas and providing a safe venue for people to participate as who they are.

Regarding the mentor:

Philip Sinclair, a fellow at the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge, is my mentor. We quickly found common ground on a variety of issues. He is an entrepreneur and has been involved in a diverse range of policy work as key influencer. I see myself becoming a policy entrepreneur in the coming years, so I am grateful to learn about his journey, which resonates with my future career goal.

Regarding the capstone

I’m currently digging into how entrepreneurship will bring forth a major social change in North Korea. I’ve gotten connected with North Korean refugees who have made various fruitful transitions in their lives through entrepreneurship. During the fellowship, I would like to highlight a few cases that have felt inspiring so that others can feel the same.

Recommendation to others who are interested in the KF-SGS Fellowship

“Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” These famous words by John F. Kennedy are the motto of Harvard Kennedy School. The doors of the Korea Foundation Fellowship are open to a wide range of people. Before asking whether you are qualified, take time to think about how much you can contribute to the Salzburg Global Seminar and the Korea Foundation Fellowship with your unique background and bright ideas. Please make sure to apply. Thank you.

The full interview can be found here: https://youtu.be/6_vSa6_k9q4