KOREA FOUNDATION

New Year’s Greetings

Happy New Year to all KF Newsletter readers!

I wish each and every one of you peace and happiness in 2024, the Year of the Dragon.

Over the past year, the KF made the utmost effort to realize our goals. We expanded dialogue and discussion channels in the international community around newly emerging challenges in economic security, cutting-edge technology, energy, and climate change. And we did all this while promoting public diplomacy as a representative of a global pivotal state that respects the universal values of free democracy, human rights, and the rule of the law.

In 2023, we established the first Endowed Curatorship for Korean Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. We heard encouraging news about the fine arts, fostered by KF-supported Korean art exhibitions in Europe and the United States. In April, the KF XR Gallery was opened in Seoul to introduce Korean and international culture through immersive digital exhibitions. We also launched 7077, the KF’s YouTube channel for public diplomacy, to share a wide range of video content related to Korean arts and culture.

In 2024, we expect increased efforts to expand the international scope of the KF’s activity. We will invigorate programs in global hubs including Dubai, London, and New York, and solidify our foundation for networking with partnership institutions. We will promote Korean studies programs around the world, supporting cooperation and enhancing synergy among scholars. We aim to conduct composite public diplomacy projects that effectively integrate exchanges in all sectors, from academia and culture to science, technology, and human resources. Through our projects, we will cater to the diverse needs and characteristics of respective partner countries. We will also continue to assist young creative talents to seek cooperation and solidarity with the international community. Though we may encounter challenges and obstacles along the way, we intend to forge ahead with hope, jointly working with our partners in Korea and across the globe.

This year, the KF hopes to continue its pursual of public diplomacy that shares Korea’s merits with the global community, while bolstering international partnership and exchange. Despite worries about security and economic uncertainties, we will stride with you toward a better future, armed with mutual trust and understanding.

According to East Asian philosophy, the Year of the Dragon symbolizes strength and vitality, like that of a giant tree growing in a land of abundant water. I sincerely hope that each and every reader and their family is blessed with similarly dynamic energy and can achieve remarkable growth in the New Year.

Happy New Year!

Kim Gheewhan
President, Korea Foundation

Kim GheewhanKorea FoundationPresidentYear of the DragonNew Year’s Greetings