Vivek Sharma, New Delhi: - In celebration of the 50th anniversary of South Korea-India bilateral relations, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India and the Korean Cultural Centre India have launched a program called 'Talk with a South Korean Diplomat.' This initiative aims to provide comprehensive insights into the roles and significance of diplomats.
Aligned with the program, a
lecture was organized at Mount Abu Public School Auditorium in Rohini,
featuring the Honorable Minister Sang-woo Lim (Deputy Head of Mission) from the
Embassy of the Republic of Korea to India. The event witnessed a warm welcome
extended by Ms. Jyoti Arora, the school's principal, and drew the attendance of
300 students, along with the principal and teachers.
During his lecture, Minister
Sang-woo Lim introduced the role of a diplomat as a 'Peace Maker.' He
elaborated on the shared history between India and Korea, the current
relationship dynamics, and the potential synergy between the two countries in
the future.
Minister Sang-woo Lim highlighted
the rapid decline in South Korea's birth rate and discussed ongoing talks
between the South Korean and Indian governments regarding skilled and unskilled
workers. Additionally, he mentioned South Korea's efforts to attract overseas
students, particularly from India, by offering various educational programs.
Principal Jyoti Arora expressed
the school's longstanding association with the Korean Cultural Centre India and
emphasized the importance of understanding and appreciating different cultures
to foster peaceful relationships between nations. The school takes pride in
promoting global leadership, nurturing deep understanding, and cultivating
respect for diverse cultures.
The students' enthusiasm for
Korean culture was unparalleled, as evidenced by their familiarity with Korean
food, music, dramas, and technology. Bhavya, an eighth-grade student, shared
her love for K-dramas, food, fashion, and music, which she found relatable and
enriching. Korean dramas have also facilitated her language learning
experience.
The South Korean diplomats will
continue their engagement with students by visiting Ahlcon International School
and National Victor Public School, aiming to share more stories in line with
their vision.
In a separate interview, Minister
Sang-woo Lim discussed South Korea's approach to overseas students. While
higher education has traditionally been the focus, he confirmed the country's
openness to welcoming talented youth from around the world, including India.
The minister mentioned special programs designed for overseas students who have
completed their schooling, not just in Seoul but also in other provinces.
Regarding the language barrier,
Minister Sang-woo Lim acknowledged the challenge faced by overseas students who
must study in Korean. However, he emphasized that South Korea offers more
scholarships for learning the language and has implemented additional Korean
language learning programs. Furthermore, he mentioned that those who have
learned Korean in their home countries are now eligible to study in South
Korea.
When asked about the availability
of study materials in English at Korean universities, Minister Sang-woo Lim
clarified that English is not the official language of South Korea. While there
are institutions providing English language instruction for overseas students,
the minister indicated that the embassy of the Republic of South Korea exists
to assist Korean universities in India when necessary, facilitating the
establishment of Korean university centers.
As South Korea and India continue
to strengthen their bilateral relations, these educational initiatives and
diplomatic efforts aim to foster cross-cultural understanding, promote academic
exchanges, and pave the way for a brighter future of collaboration between the
two nations.
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