Public Diplomacy refers to diplomatic activities through which Korea promotes foreign nationals’ understanding of and enhance confidence in Korea directly or in cooperation with local governments and the private sector. It is a multifaceted approach that draws upon policies, knowledge, and culture, etc.

The enactment of the Public Diplomacy Act in 2016 has laid the foundation for a comprehensive, government-wide approach to public diplomacy in Korea. In the subsequent year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced the Public Diplomacy Committee—a standing mechanism and control tower of Public Diplomacy charged with coordinating government-level public diplomacy initiatives.

According to the Public Diplomacy Act, the Ministry has been also formulating a Master Plan for Public Diplomacy every five years in consultation with the heads of related central administrative agencies, city mayors and Do governors. The Master Plan sets out a government-wide vision, objectives, and strategies in pursuit of public diplomatic activities, to ensure that Korea's public diplomacy maintains a unified and strategic approach. Furthermore, the Ministry formulates and implements an Annual Comprehensive Action Plan each year, to provide a guideline for 19 central government agencies and 17 local governments for their actual implementation of public diplomacy projects, in conformity with the five-year master plan.

The Ministry is of the view that Public Diplomacy plays an integral part in achieving Korea's goal to become a Global Pivotal State (GPS) that contributes to freedom, peace and prosperity in the world. On the path to becoming a Global Pivotal State, Korea will continue to promote its national image and prestige by working on four key dimensions of public diplomacy: policy, digital, culture and knowledge public diplomacy.

Public Diplomacy of the Republic of Korea

Public Diplomacy of the Republic of Korea

• VISION - Fascinating the world with Korea's charm
• GOALS - Share Korean culture, Deepen understanding on Korea, Gain global support for Korea's policies, Strengthen public diplomacy capacity, Promote public-private partnership
• STRATEGY
  • Spread cultural attraction
  • Elevate national image through cultural assets
  • Strengthen two-way communication through cultural enchange
  • Increase understanding on Korean history, tradition, and national development
  • Promote Korean studies and language
  • Increase understanding on Korea's key policies
  • Expand the scope of public diplomacy for Korea's policies
  • Develop participatory public diplomacy framework
  • Establish cooperation system among national/local governments and private sector
  • Develop online platform for communications and information sharing
  • Strengthen public diplomacy through public-private cooperation

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