» Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Thailand Visits KKU for a Special Lecture on "The Soft Power Between Korea and Thailand" and Korean Culture Caravan 2025 at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (80 Views)

On June 30, 2025, Khon Kaen University had the honor of welcoming H.E. Mr.  Yongmin Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Thailand, along with representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, on the occasion of his official visit to the university. The Ambassador and his delegation were warmly welcomed by Asst. Prof. Acharawan Topark-Ngarm, Assistant to the President for International Affairs, together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orathai Phiaura, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, faculty administrators, lecturers, and students from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
H.E. Mr.  Yongmin Park delivered a special lecture on the topic "The Soft Power Between Korea and Thailand." In addition, the "Korean Culture Caravan 2025" was held at KKU, a collaborative effort between the Korean Cultural Center in Thailand, Khon Kaen University, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

 

Asst. Prof. Dr. Acharawan Topark-Ngarm expressed her deep appreciation and stated, "It is a great honor for Khon Kaen University to welcome the Ambassador and his delegation on this special occasion. We sincerely thank H.E. Mr.  Yongmin Park for graciously sharing his insights and perspectives on the important topic of 'Soft Power,' which is increasingly recognized as a key issue on the global stage. The longstanding relationship between Korea and Thailand spans across education, media, tourism, and the creative economy, all of which serve as strong foundations for sustainable soft power development between our two nations."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orathai Phiaura, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences delivered a welcome speech.

 

H.E. Mr.  Yongmin Park remarked, "I am delighted to meet with the students and representatives of Khon Kaen University, as well as distinguished guests who joined to attend the lecture and enjoy the Korean Culture Caravan 2025." In his lecture, the Ambassador highlighted the significance of soft power as a tool both Korea and Thailand have employed to build cultural influence on the global stage. He emphasized Thailand's strength in its warm hospitality, genuine smiles, and beautiful tourist attractions, which leave visitors feeling welcomed and connected, offering a uniquely charming soft power. Korea, on the other hand, has demonstrated resilience in overcoming economic and social challenges through dedication, innovation, and a growing space for creative freedom. This has led to the development of a strong content industry, including K-pop, Korean dramas, fashion, and internationally acclaimed cinema.

The Ambassador stressed that the success of both countries comes from their openness to change, cultural creativity, and meaningful global engagement. A living culture is one that continuously learns, adapts, and innovates. In the future, soft power will play an even more vital role in an increasingly interconnected digital world, not only as a tool to export culture but also as a means to foster cross-cultural understanding, drive the creative economy, and enhance national presence on the international stage. He added that both Thailand and Korea hold immense potential to deepen cooperation in culture, education, and innovation, paving the way for soft power to have a lasting positive influence across the region and the world.

In addition to the lecture, the Korean Culture Caravan 2025 featured a variety of engaging cultural activities, including K-pop cover dance performances, Korean cooking demonstrations, traditional costume try-ons, Korean arts and crafts workshops, travel information booths, artistic games, and prize giveaways. The event attracted strong interest and participation from students and attendees, who thoroughly enjoyed the immersive Korean cultural experience.

 

News: Prowsaeng Siripanuwat, International Relations officer

Photo: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences/ Intern students

 

Poster : พราวแสง ภูสิงหา [Ms. Prowsaeng Poosinghar] | 30 มิถุนายน 68