This is an extremely vibrant year of events for Korea and many of its international partners. One such celebration is that of the 50th Anniversary of Korean and Canadian diplomatic relations. To honour this auspicious occasion the Canadian Embassy in Seoul has a calendar of events already in progress for this year. However, on May 22nd, a Korean university held a special celebration to educate its student body and faculty on the significant relationship between these two great nations. Daejin University, located near Pocheon-si in the north eastern part of Gyeonggi province, hosted a major event that brought well over two hundred students and faculty in touch with a number of notable guest speakers from the Canadian Embassy, British Columbia and Alberta governments, Canada Beef Incorporated, and the Korean Global Foundation.
In addition, there were a number of exhibits set up to give a closer look at the Canadian resources available to Korean students and faculty for exchange programs, working visas, internships, scholarships, research, and other educational opportunities. A sample booth was in place where the students had a chance to taste some Canadian food products, such as Canadian beef donated by Mr. Kim Hwan Kyu managing director from Canada Beef Incorporated. Daejin University¡¯s President Lee Geun Young and Vice President Bae Kyu Han welcomed the audience and set the stage for an exciting day of events.
In his opening speech, Professor Ray Wowk, a Canadian professor at Daejin University and one of the organizers, noted that many Koreans and Canadians were not aware that Canada and Korea have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship since late 19th century. First Secretary Trade Commissioner Andrea Clements and Trade Commissioner Yi Hyon Ju from the Canadian Embassy painted a wonderful picture of the symbiotic ties between the two countries, economically and educationally. For the students, two of the most entertaining presentations were given by Kim Kyung Suk, and Chung Won Il, the Managing Directors from the Canadian provincial governments of British Columbia and Alberta, respectively.
Their highly graphic and humorous presentation had many students¡¯ and faculty¡¯s faces beaming with smiles through the visual display of a pictorial montage and documentary of the two provinces. In fact, British Columbia is the Canadian sister province to Gyeonggi province. The highlight of the day¡¯s events came from Dr. Rhee Tshang Chu, president of the Korean Global Foundation. His passionate presentation emphasized the need for Korea and Canada to step up as medium world powers and strive to forge a stronger partnership, saying their bilateral relationship is under-utilized.
Thanks to the unconditional efforts of one Canadian professor and the cooperative partnership from Daejin¡¯s administrative team, Dr. Kim Jin Sup, Dean of International Affairs and Education and Yoon Hyun Jun, in a microcosmic way, Daejin University¡¯s celebration of the 50 years of diplomatic ties between Korea and Canada represented Dr. Rhee¡¯s wish for the future!