KOREA FOUNDATION

[Review] KF Public Diplomatic Corps Inaugurated

The 2019 KF Public Diplomatic Corps was formally inaugurated on May 17 in Ferrum Hall at Seoul Ferrum Tower, commencing the KF’s drive to promote public diplomacy. The corps comprises selected members of the KF Public Diplomacy Projects’ 10 teams and the 100 members of KF Young Public Diplomatic Corps. During the inauguration ceremony, members shared their strong ambition and determination to serve actively and with dedication as “citizen ambassadors.”
   The KF Public Diplomacy Projects’ 10 teams which were selected after intense competition, will carry out self-directed, diverse diplomatic activities in 11 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia, presenting programs themed in culture and history (e.g. joint performance of traditional music, introduction of Korean tea culture, exhibition of cartoons highlighting peace on the Korean Peninsula). The teams will also broaden their knowledge of public diplomacy by developing content using Korean IT skills, producing interactive e-books featuring Korean folk tales, building a database of Korean books, and publicizing smart farming techniques designed to enhance exchanges within culinary culture.
   While the 10 teams are active overseas, KF Young Public Diplomatic Corps will conduct programs for foreigners living in Korea to deepen their understanding of Korea. Through their independently-designed programs in the fields of culture, politics, economy, education, and everyday life, the corps members will serve as key players of public diplomacy who promote Korea to the world.
   The inauguration ceremony began with a welcoming speech by Ambassador Kim Seong-in, Executive Vice-President of the KF; congratulatory remarks by Seo Eun-ji, Deputy Director-General for Public Diplomacy and Cultural Affairs (Ministry of Foreign Affairs); and an introduction by Choi Jae-jin, Director-General of International Cooperation Bureau 2 of the KF. After certificates were given to the Diplomatic Corps two diplomat took the oath as representative. Commemorative photographs were also taken.
   The ceremony was followed by a lecture on public diplomacy by Dr. Kim Hwa-jung of Seoul National University’s Institute of International Affairs that helped bolster the corps members’ understanding of public diplomacy. Now that the corps has been officially launched, expectations are high for the members’ activities in the coming days.

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