Diplomacy Journal

KGCCI signs MoU with Seoul Blind Union

To expand joint CSR for the visually impaired

By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Seoul Blind Union on April 30 to deepen their cooperation and advance joint corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts focused on inclusion and support for individuals with visual impairments. The MoU, signed on April 30th, marks a meaningful milestone in KGCCI’s growing social impact agenda and underscores the German business community’s collective commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate society in Korea beyond business. This partnership builds upon the success of the “KGCCI Joint CSR Guide Walkers” event held in August 2024. More than 450 participants from KGCCI member companies and partners served as guide walkers at the 10th Harmony Marathon for the Visually Impaired. Originally launched in 2023 to mark the 140th anniversary of Korean-German diplomatic relations, the joint initiative has become a flagship symbol of Korean-German solidarity and community engagement. Under this partnership, KGCCI and the Seoul Blind Union will co-host the 2025 Harmony Marathon and related awareness events, coordinate joint CSR activities supporting the visually impaired. “The strength of the Korean-German business community lies not only in economic ties, but in the values we share. This MoU deepens our commitment to unity, promoting inclusion and driving meaningful change together,” said Marie Antonia von Schönburg, President & CEO of KGCCI. Hyung-seok Cho, President of the Seoul Blind Union, echoed this sentiment: “We are grateful to KGCCI and its member companies for their genuine commitment to inclusion and social responsibility. This partnership goes beyond symbolic gestures—it creates real opportunities for our visually impaired community to be seen, heard, and supported. We look forward to building a more inclusive society together.” KGCCI’s CSR journey has included other milestone partnerships, such as the MoU signed with the Sungjoo Foundation in 2024 to promote women’s leadership through the WIR (Women in Korea) mentorship program. Furthermore, KGCCI continues to amplify social impact through its annual CSR Report, which highlights initiatives led by German companies in Korea—from inclusion and education to environmental sustainability and employee engagement.
Jongno-gu Saemaul flag is raised, marking 55th anniversary of Saemaul Movement

“Together, Saemaul, Future to the World!” The spirit of self-reliance and cooperation is blooming again in Jongno

By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young A meaningful Saemaul flag raising ceremony was held on Nanggye-ro 25-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the founding of the Saemaul movement and the 15th Saemaul Day on the afternoon of April 29. More than 200 members of the Saemaul family attended the ceremony, including Representative Kwak Sang-un, Jongno-gu Mayor Chung Moon-heon, Jongno-gu Council Chairman Ra Do-gyun, and Seoul City Saemaul Association President Kim Yeon-po, to recall the spirit of the Saemaul movement that connects the past and present and to take a step of hope for the future. “Today's raising of the Saemaul flag is not just a commemoration, but a symbolic promise to convey the core values of the Saemaul movement of hard work, self-help, and cooperation to future generations,” said Park Nae-chun, chairman of the Jongno-gu Saemaul Association, who organized the event. “We will continue to take care of the elderly, clean up the environment, and recover from disasters,” he said. “The Saemaul Movement is not just a legacy of the past, but a foundation for national development that is still valid today,” said Jongno-gu Mayor Chung Moon-heon in his congratulatory remarks, adding, "In order for a nation to thrive, the village must be revived. The movement to revitalize villages is the way to revitalize the country," he said. Seoul City Saemaul Association President Kim Yeon-po said, “The Saemaul movement is a representative mental asset of Korea that raises the national character and communicates with the world,” and emphasized the potential for international cooperation. Jongno-gu Council Chairman Ra Do-gyun also expressed his deep appreciation and praise, saying, “Since Chairman Park Nae-chun took office, the Jongno Saemaul Movement has become more vibrant.” This year's slogan, “Saemaul Together, Future to the World!” symbolizes that the Saemaul Movement is evolving into a future community movement that is not limited to local transformation, but extends beyond the country to the world. The slogan symbolizes the movement's modern direction toward sustainable development with local residents. Finally, Chairman Park Nae-chun concluded, "The Saemaul Movement is still an ongoing process. We are walking again today toward a country that lives well together and villages that live together. I hope that this small step that started in Jongno will change Korea and become a spark of hope that will light up the world." Based on this pledge, the Jongno Saemaul Association plans to take the lead in realizing a ‘community living together’ by practicing life closer to residents. Under the flag of Saemaul, Jongno continues to walk together today.
Minister Kim meets with 64 countries’ ambassadors on environmental issues

Environment Minister Kim requests support for ‘World Environment Day’

By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Minister of Environment Kim Wan-sup met with 60 ambassadors and deputy ambassadors of foreign diplomatic missions to Korea and emphasized joint cooperation with the international community to respond to environmental crises. Ahead of the official event of ‘World Environment Day’ to be held on Jeju Island on June 5 with the theme of ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’, he requested support and participation from ministers of partner countries. The Ministry of Environment held the ‘Climate and Environment Discussion of Foreign Diplomatic Missions to Korea’ at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on April 28, with the attendance of 90 people including ambassadors to Korea from 64 countries (20 ambassadors, 44 deputy ambassadors, etc.) and officials from international organizations stationed in Korea, including the Northeast Asia Regional Office of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). The Ministry of Environment plans to use the meeting as an opportunity to integrate fragmented international cooperation channels in the environmental sector, while establishing detailed bilateral discussion bodies according to different conditions in each region and country to increase the efficiency of international cooperation in the environmental sector. At the meeting, the following were discussed: △Korea’s carbon neutrality policy; △The status and promotion strategies of international development cooperation; and detailed discussions were held according to each country’s environmental policy priorities, such as resource circulation and water management. The Ministry of Environment plans to develop the meeting into a regular consultative body that also discusses agenda items for each country. In particular, the Ministry of Environment shared the event plan for ‘World Environment Day (June 5)’, which was hosted in Korea for the first time in 28 years since 1997, and requested support and participation from ministers of partner countries. This year’s World Environment Day event will be held from June 4 to 13 in Jeju Island and Seoul under the theme of ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’ and the purpose of ‘Common Challenge, Everyone’s Action’ to solve the common problem of plastic pollution together. A 'Ministerial Roundtable' will be held with the participation of ministers from partner countries, and about 20 side events will be included, including environmental policy and technology/academic discussions. Minister Kim said, "In order to respond to the environmental crisis, joint cooperation with the international community is even more necessary," and added, "We will strengthen the global network on the occasion of World Environment Day in June and take the lead in discussions and cooperation in the international community."

2025 Seoul Welcome Week takes place for foreign tourists in Korea

Until May 2, offering warm welcoming smiles

By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) will host the 2025 Seoul Welcome Week for eight days from April 25 to May 2 to welcome foreign tourists. This event takes place in conjunction with the peak spring tourism season, with Japan’s Golden Week (April 26 to May 6) and China’s Labor Day holidays (May 1 to May 5). In cooperation with the Seoul Tourism Association, the SMG will operate the “Seoul Travel Station”, a welcome center for foreign tourists in Myeong-dong for eight days from April 25 to May 2. Frequently visited by many foreign tourists, the tourist centers in the popular destination of Myeong-dong will operate various welcoming events and display welcome messages on outdoor electronic displays and taxi roof signs. From Friday, April 25, to Friday, May 2, the Seoul Welcome Station will be set up in front of Myeong-dong Migliore, near Exit 6 of Myeong-dong subway station, a popular place for foreign tourists. Six multilingual operational staff workers (specifically two English speakers, two Chinese speakers, and two Japanese speakers) will be stationed to provide information and guidance. Meanwhile, the Seoul Welcome Station will host a series of events and experience programs to make fun, memorable moments for tourists. The events include: 1) Trying on traditional Korean women’s hairstyle, Daenggi, 2) a lucky draw event which will present Seoul-made goods such as mother-of-pearl (Jagae in Korean) mirror bag charms, 3) Mini-games to win an “All-Pass Ticket to royal palaces in Seoul”, and 4) Welcome Goods for visitors, such as a cup of popcorns served in a Green Aurora-colored paint bucket. Seven Travel Information Centers across Seoul, each located in Namdaemun, Itaewon, Dongdaemun, Gwanghwamun, Express Bus Terminal (Sebit), Seocho, and Jongno, will host smaller events during the Seoul Welcome Week. Outdoor electronic displays across the Hongdae and Gangnam areas and over 2,000 taxi vehicles (MOTOV, vehicle rooftop display devices) will show warm, welcoming messages in English to create an atmosphere of hospitality throughout the city. The SMG operated the Seoul Welcome Week last autumn, from October 1 to 8, with 98% of the foreign tourists who participated in the welcome events saying that they were “satisfied with their travels in Seoul”. The total number of foreign tourists who experienced the event last year was 22,000. This year, the city government plans to host Seoul Welcome Week twice, in spring and fall, to further enhance tourist satisfaction and encourage future visits.
2025-04-29 Kayla Lee 기자

NEWS

Han Kyung-won, the painter who builds homes for the heart

From a Korean home to the hearts of the world

By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo “A house is not just a physical space. It is where our soul resides.” At the exhibition “Home, and the Landscape Beyond” held at Gallery 2 of the Sejong Museum at Sejong University, artist Han Kyung-won quietly yet resolutely shared her philosophy. In her artwork, a “home” is not merely an architectural structure. It is a landscape that holds memories and a language that conveys emotions. The exhibition ran from February 26 to March 9, presenting an artistic journey through over 40 paintings that expand the familiar theme of “home” into time, memory, nature, and sentiment. A home drawn and built simultaneously Han Kyung-won's creative process begins with tearing and layering traditional Korean hanji (paper) to construct the structure of a home. She sets up spaces, creates windows, and places roofs upon the canvas—giving birth to a home. It is painting, architecture, and an emotional sculpture all at once. She calls this process: “A home drawn and built at the same time.” This work goes beyond simple forms, embracing the communal sentiment of the Korean people and harmony with nature. Her homes are never alone. They stand shoulder to shoulder with neighbors, forming a village. Between them, flowers, trees, wind, and sunlight flow endlessly. She says, “Our ancestors had the wisdom to live with nature, rather than against it. Home and nature were never separate. I wanted to express that uniquely Korean sense in a way that speaks to the present.” Emotions found in a room of memories The exhibition was composed of three spaces. “The Room of Memories” reflected traces of time and family. “The World Beyond the Door” connected home with nature. And “Abstract Landscape” captured shapeless emotions and the flow of symbols. In the final space, the physical form of the house fades away, leaving only color and texture—depicting how memory gradually transforms into pure emotion. Han Kyung-won shared, “As I age, the precise image of the house becomes blurry, but the emotions I felt there grow clearer.” Through this, she presented her artistic exploration of the essence of memory and emotion. As a natural extension of this journey, her “homes” will soon expand beyond gallery walls into a new setting of remembrance. On April 15, three of her works will be installed on the 12th floor hospice ward of Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital in Seoul—one at the entrance hallway and one in each of two patient rooms where people spend their final moments. For patients, families, and medical staff who pass through, her paintings will serve not just an aesthetic purpose, but become windows that evoke memory and gently cradle emotion. The artist said, “A small landscape where their bodies and hearts can rest—that might be what ‘home’ truly is.” Her “home” is now preparing to become the emotional backdrop connecting the beginning and end of life, warmly settling into someone’s final memory. “My Home,” told by French students One particularly memorable moment during the exhibition was an unexpected encounter with two French exchange students. Having just arrived in Korea for the new semester, they were strolling near their dormitory when they saw the exhibition flyer at the entrance and decided to step in. After viewing the exhibition, their expressions carried a quiet, lingering emotion. Chloé, from Paris, said, “At first, I came in just because the colors were beautiful. But as I looked at the paintings, I strangely began to think about the house where I grew up. These are Korean houses… but the emotions felt so familiar. Warm, quiet, and nostalgic…” Manon, who was with her, nodded and added: “The homes in the artist’s paintings didn’t feel like buildings, but like something that holds something inside. I’m not exactly sure what I saw, but it made me feel at peace… and miss my childhood. It’s my first time in Korea, but it didn’t feel different from the warm home where my parents are.” In this short conversation lay the universality and depth of Han Kyung-won’s art—showing just how profoundly the theme of “home” is tied to human emotion. The sentiment of diplomacy through art Through this exhibition, the artist demonstrated that “Art is the language of diplomacy that connects hearts to hearts.” A Korean home is not merely a physical space—it is a way of life, an emotional refuge. And Han Kyung-won’s work tells that story in a language that needs no words, a language that speaks to the world. Though the exhibition at the Sejong Museum Gallery has ended, the “home of the heart” that she built remains in the memory of each visitor. Perhaps even now, we are all, in some way, rebuilding our own hometowns through someone’s painted home.

A thousand letters of humanity, delivered every Saturday

Prof. Park Young-hee, known as ‘Dunjae,’ celebrates the 1000th issue of his Saturday letters

By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article on Professor Park Young-hee’s “Saturday Letters” was contributed by Esi Han, Public Relations Officer of the Embassy of Ghana in Seoul to Diplomacy Journal for publication. –Ed. On March 15, 2025, at the sunlit convention hall of YMCA Youth center in Goyang city, something greater than a milestone was celebrated—a quiet homage to a life of thought, a philosophy of care, and a deep affection for humanity. The occasion marked the 1000th issue of the ‘Saturday Letters’ a heartfelt essay series written without interruption for 20 years by Professor Park Young-hee, founder of Humanities of Growth and a beloved professor at Dongguk University. he is affectionately known by his pen name, Dunjae (鈍齋). Dunjae (鈍齋): A Philosophy Rooted in Slowness and Steadfastness Professor Park calls himself ‘Dunjae’ meaning the slow scholar—not slow from lack of thought, but from a deliberate choice to move gently through the world. Rather than rushing to conclusions or hasty action, he values slow reflection, quiet attention, and steady effort. His pen name embodies this deeply held philosophy. In that spirit, his Saturday Letters have offered a counterbalance to the relentless speed of modern life. His words do not rush to impress; they arrive with calmness and care, taking root quietly in the hearts of his readers—week after week, year after year. It All Began in the Snow — A Goryeo-Era Poem and a Heart Moved to Write Whenever Professor Park is asked how his Saturday Letters began, he cites a single poem—one that left a lasting imprint on his spirit. It is a piece written by Yi Gyu-bo (1168–1241), a poet of the Goryeo dynasty, titled ‘Visiting a Friend in the Snow, Only to Find Him Absent’: 雪色白於紙 The snow, whiter than paper, 擧鞭書姓字 I raised my whip and wrote your name in it. 莫敎風掃地 Wind, please do not sweep the ground clean. 好待主人至 Let it remain until my friend arrives. The poem speaks of longing, absence, and the loving gesture of leaving behind a trace—a name in the snow—as a promise of connection. Professor Park was deeply moved by its image and spirit. In that moment, he resolved to begin leaving traces of her own—words from his heart, sent to those he cared for. And so, on April 24, 2004, he began the Saturday Letters. A Journey of 1,000 Letters Began with the Humility of One The extraordinary achievement of 1000 uninterrupted letters was not driven by ambition, but by humble self-reflection. Speaking at the commemorative event, Professor Park shared: “From the very first letter until today, I’ve said the same thing to myself each week: ‘That wasn’t good enough. I must write better next time. That thought, week after week, has carried me here.” This gentle self-challenge became a wellspring of strength. What began as modest determination became a source of comfort for others. The sincerity of one heart grew into a quiet tradition passed down between generations. To Record is to Love — A Ceremony Woven with Grace and Gratitude Titled ‘1,000 Breaths In and Out,’ the celebration was attended by former students, alumni, family, literary figures, and public voices. Among them were novelist Kim Hong-shin, broadcaster Kim Byung-jo, and Honorary Professor Lee Hwang-woo of Dongguk University. Each offered their heartfelt tributes to Professor Park’s journey of the pen. Poet Park Jong-myung honored the occasion with a reading of her work ‘The Moonlight Fisherman,’ while guests joined in singing the classic Korean song ‘Letter.’A surprise video featuring handwritten messages from students brought laughter, tears, and a tender stillness to the room. A Fortress of the Humanities Built One Letter at a Time To write these letters, Professor Park read over 1,500 books and collected ten boxes of newspaper clippings. Apart from a single sabbatical of one and a half years, he never stopped. This was not habit—it was devotion. Each Saturday, he opened a small window between himself and his readers, reflecting on ethics, art, loneliness, and hope. Rather than instructing or preaching, he asked questions of himself—and, by doing so, invited his readers to reflect on their own lives. In a Digital Age, His Letters Embody the Spirit of Diplomacy At its heart, diplomacy is the art of careful communication—an enduring relationship built on sincerity and consideration. In this way, Professor Park’s letters transcend personal correspondence; they model a refined, human diplomacy. His writing is marked by thoughtfulness and respect, each word carrying weight and warmth. As a journalist attending the event for Diplomacy Journal, I was struck by a realization: these 1,000 letters are perhaps among the most quietly powerful diplomatic documents of our time. While Professor Park has experimented with modern AI tools, he remains grounded in his belief that: ‘Nothing can replace the warmth and texture of a sentence written by one person, for another.’ And Still, He Writes On the Saturday following the 1000th issue—just like always—Professor Park sent out his 1001st letter. At the end, he wrote: “Today is a happy Saturday. We often call Saturday the ‘weekend,’ as if it marks the end of something. But I believe Saturday offers us a quiet space to reflect on the week past and gently prepare for what lies ahead. I sincerely hope you begin the new week with purpose and grace.” These words, in fact, were the final lines of his very first letter—a full-circle moment, a reply across 20 years. The path he has walked, and continues to walk, is one paved with sentences that quietly connect hearts. May future generations follow the footprints he’s left in the snow—traces of care, humility, patience, and love.

Ranking News

인기기사

KGCCI signs MoU with Seoul Blind Union

To expand joint CSR for the visually impaired

Jongno-gu Saemaul flag is raised, marking 55th anniversary of Saemaul Movement

“Together, Saemaul, Future to the World!” The spirit of self-reliance and cooperation is blooming again in Jongno

Minister Kim meets with 64 countries’ ambassadors on environmental issues

Environment Minister Kim requests support for ‘World Environment Day’

2025 Seoul Welcome Week takes place for foreign tourists in Korea

Until May 2, offering warm welcoming smiles

KGCCI signs MoU with Seoul Blind Union

Jongno-gu Saemaul flag is raised, marking 55th anniversary of Saemaul Movement

Minister Kim meets with 64 countries’ ambassadors on environmental issues

2025 Seoul Welcome Week takes place for foreign tourists in Korea

The event for the 2025-26 East Asian Cultural City held in Anseong

Han Kyung-won, the painter who builds homes for the heart

From a Korean home to the hearts of the world

A thousand letters of humanity, delivered every Saturday

Prof. Park Young-hee, known as ‘Dunjae,’ celebrates the 1000th issue of his Saturday letters

Tajikistan and the Republic of Korea celebrate 33 years of friendly relations

Kyrgyzstan recommends Korean tourists to visit the “Alps of Central Asia”

Five Central Asian countries hold an event to attract more Korean tourists

An event for Korean recipients of the Magsaysay Award held in Seoul

Thailand invites Korean businessmen to invest in Thai sustainable finance

SK bioscience wins patent invalidation case against Moderna

Central Asia and the GCC: From historical ties to strategic partnership

Pope Francis takes the Lord’s closeness to every corner of earth

Minister Kim meets with 64 countries’ ambassadors on environmental issues

Five Central Asian countries hold an event to attract more Korean tourists

Jongno-gu Saemaul flag is raised, marking 55th anniversary of Saemaul Movement

[Publisher Column] The power of communication in all of us

2025 Seoul Welcome Week takes place for foreign tourists in Korea

The event for the 2025-26 East Asian Cultural City held in Anseong

KGCCI signs MoU with Seoul Blind Union

Thailand invites Korean businessmen to invest in Thai sustainable finance

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