KOREA FOUNDATION

With 2018 now upon us, I offer my best wishes to each and every one of our dedicated supporters.
  For the KF, 2017 witnessed an epochal expansion of our scope of activity. The ASEAN Culture House opened in Busan last September to strengthen two-way exchange between Korea and the ASEAN member states, while the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum Secretariat was established by the KF last July. The KF’s trademark projects promoting Korean studies and intellectual and artistic activities were smoothly carried out as in previous years. Especially successful among the KF’s cultural activities overseas were several programs in the United States, including an exhibition of contemporary adaptations of the Hanbok, the traditional Korean costume, as well as a collection of chaekgeori artworks that toured the country.
  In the new year, the KF is set to grow even further.
  Firstly, the KF’s head office will move from Seoul to Jeju Island in accordance with the Korean government’s directive to relocate public agencies. The KF successfully held international conferences and performances on Jeju Island in 2017, and from this year forth, it will base its many programs on the island, sharing the province’s rugged beauty with the world. By moving to Jeju Island, the KF will transition into a nationwide network with its base in Jeju Island and further activities held at the Global Center in Seoul and the ASEAN Culture House in Busan.
  Secondly, the KF will diversify its public diplomacy network by expanding contacts and exchanges with other countries, building upon the foundation of friendship and cooperation laid by its existing major partners. In particular, we will strive to enhance intellectual and human exchange and cultural projects with India to better reflect the country’s importance as a diplomatic partner.
  Thirdly, we will launch the Public Diplomacy Academy to encourage greater participation in public diplomacy. Designated as the nation’s only institution promoting public diplomacy under the Public Diplomacy Act of 2016, the KF will provide education to ordinary citizens and professional training to specialists through the academy.
  As the KF strives to help world citizens better appreciate Korea’s many charms in the new year, we hope you will continue to follow our projects with interest, and we look forward to receiving your invaluable support. Thank you.

KF President Lee Sihyung