On Thursday, October 1, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver hosted a 2026 National Day Reception at The Westin Hotel in downtown Vancouver to commemorate Gaecheonjeol (Korean National Foundation Day).

Approximately 200 guests from various sectors attended the reception, including federal Members of Parliament such as Jenny Kwan; government officials and political figures, including Paul Choi, former BC Parliamentary Secretary for Trade; business leaders, including Richard Hall, President of the Canada-Korea Business Association; education and cultural figures, including Hur Nam Lim, Director of the Centre for Korean Research at the University of British Columbia (UBC); members of the diplomatic corps; and leaders of major Korean community organizations.

Following welcoming remarks by Consul General Kwangsuk Lee, former Parliamentary Secretary for Trade Paul Choi delivered congratulatory remarks. He also presented Consul General Lee with an official proclamation from the BC Legislative Assembly designating October as Korean Cultural Heritage Month and offered his congratulations.

As part of the “K-Initiative” public-private partnership, Soon-jae Lee, Deputy Director of the KOTRA Vancouver office, and Gyu-tae Kim, Director of the Houston Branch of Samsung Heavy Industries, participated as speakers. They explored opportunities for Korea–Canada cooperation in key industries and energy, while also highlighting Korea’s capabilities in shipbuilding and marine engineering.

The reception was followed by a congratulatory performance by Sora Vancouver Dance Team, which placed second at the Canada K-Pop Cover Dance Festival held in May. Young members of the Korean community also showcased Taekwondo poomsae and board-breaking demonstrations, receiving an enthusiastic response from the guests.

(Photo Credit : Korean Consulate in Vancouver)