1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded an “agreement for cooperation in providing consular education and nurturing experts” with Dongguk University on January 16 in order to establish a foundation for higher education on consular affairs, and thereby better protect the nationals of the Republic of Korea overseas and strengthen service for Koreans abroad.

o Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and President of Dongguk University Han Tae-sik each signed the agreement.

2. In the agreement, the Foreign Ministry and Dongguk University shared the view that it is important to nurture and recruit consular experts with knowledge and ability in various fields, and agreed to work actively together to provide consular education and nurture experts.

o With the goal of establishing a department of consular law within its College of Law, Dongguk University will make efforts to create related subjects and operate them in a smooth manner; find and hire new teachers; and write textbooks.

o The Foreign Ministry will provide necessary cooperation, including carrying out joint research projects; co-hosting academic conferences; providing academic materials and publications; and giving related information and special lectures, if Dongguk University asks the Ministry to do so.

o The Foreign Ministry and Dongguk University will work together to create a “society of consular affairs,” and make active efforts to exchange information through the society.

3. The conclusion of the agreement is significant, as it established a public-private cooperation system that contributes to increasing Korean nationals’ interest in the development of consular experts and safety overseas. The conclusion of the agreement, along with the enactment of the “consular assistance act for the protection of the nationals of the Republic of Korea overseas,” will help the Foreign Ministry provide consular assistance that meets the actual needs of Korean nationals.

4. With 30 million people traveling overseas a year, there is a growing need for the government to actively respond to incidents or accidents, and emergency situations abroad. The Foreign Ministry will continue a range of efforts, including improving institutions and increasing cooperation between the public and private sectors, to make sure that Korean nationals live, stay and travel abroad safely.

* unofficial translation