The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea held the "15th Workshop for Overseas Honorary Consuls of Korea" from Monday, September 14, to Saturday, September 19. Launched in 2010, the program aims to enhance honorary consuls' understanding of Korea and their roles and responsibilities, enabling them to more effectively support the protection of Korean nationals abroad and diplomatic activities.

Marking its 15th edition, this year's workshop brought together honorary consuls from 10 countries*. The honorary consuls had the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of and firsthand experience with Korea’s leading “K-Initiatives” through a variety of activities, including a seminar to share best practices among honorary consuls, special lectures on Korea’s security and economy, a visit to the DMZ, a Korean cooking class hosted by the Korean Food Promotion Institute, a tour of the National Museum of Korea, and visits to major Korean companies. These activities gave them the opportunity to understand and experience, from many angles, the fields in which Korea is leading the way through its "K-Initiatives."

* Participating countries: Guinea, Germany, the United States, North Macedonia, Brazil, Israel, India, Indonesia, France, and Australia

Director-General for Public Diplomacy and Cultural Affairs Oh Jin-hee hosted a welcome dinner on Monday, September 14. She thanked the honorary consuls for their dedication to assisting Korean nationals in places that embassies and consulates general cannot readily reach, particularly at a time when challenges such as wars and natural disasters continue to affect communities around the world. She also asked them to continue their efforts to protect Korean nationals abroad and strengthen cooperation between Korea and their respective countries.

Damon Thomas, Honorary Consul of Korea in Tasmania, Australia, who has served in the position for 21 years since 2005, said that although Korea has experienced many challenges, it has grown into a country with strengths in areas such as advanced technology and K-pop. He expressed his pride in serving as an honorary consul representing Korea and said that he would continue to connect people and strengthen ties between countries.

Ami Orkaby, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Jerusalem, who has served in the position since 2009, said that honorary consuls from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds had become an “international family” through this program, united by their shared connection with Korea. He extended wishes for the prosperity of Korea and of each participant's home country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to support honorary consuls around the world through the workshop, so that they can actively carry out their roles in protecting Korean nationals abroad and supporting diplomatic activities.