In a bid to fortify cultural and educational ties between India and Korea, the King Sejong Foundation, under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, inaugurated the King Sejong Institute at the Indo-Korean Center in Pune. This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Tuesday, witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, H.E. Chang Jae-bok, the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Mumbai, Kim Young-og, and other notable figures such as Sanjib Ghatak (Founder of the Indo-Korean Centre), Dr. Eunjoo Lim (Director of IKC King Sejong Institute Pune), and Dr. Pradip Bavadekar (Chairman & Managing Trustee of Youthbuild Foundation).
Ambassador Chang Jae-bok, in his address, emphasized the growing friendship between India and Korea and highlighted the positive impact of this relationship on the economies of both nations over the last five decades. He pledged to promote Korean language education and Korean studies in India, envisioning the institute as a key center for enhancing Korea-India relations.
H.E. Chang Jae-bok also acknowledged the significant surge in trade between India and Korea, reaching an impressive 28 billion dollars in 2022. He noted the contribution of esteemed Korean companies such as POSCO and LG Electronics, which have thrived in India, creating employment opportunities and making knowledge of the Korean language a valuable asset for job seekers.
During the ceremony, speakers such as Dr. Pradeep Bavdekar and Sanjeeb Ghatak highlighted the Indo-Korean Centre’s role in fostering bilateral relations. Dr. Eunjoo Lim provided insights into the offerings of the King Sejong Institute, detailing the online and offline courses available.
The celebration continued with captivating performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of both countries. Traditional Indian classical and modern Korean pop dance performances filled the venue with vibrancy, highlighting the shared cultural values between the two nations.
