KKU's Humanities and Social Sciences Welcomes South Korean Ambassador, Showcasing Korean Soft Power

Khon Kaen, Thailand – June 30, 2025 – The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Khon Kaen University (KKU), in collaboration with the International Affairs Division, extended a warm welcome to H.E. Mr. Yongmin Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Thailand. This special event, part of the "Korean Culture Caravan 2025," aimed to foster academic and cultural cooperation between Thailand and South Korea, and to deepen understanding of "Soft Power" as a vital force in international relations. Over 300 participants, including faculty and students from the Department of Eastern Languages (Korean major), along with local students interested in Korean culture, attended the activities at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

 

The opening ceremony was honored by Assistant Professor Dr. Atcharawoan Topak-ngam, Assistant President for International Affairs at Khon Kaen University, who officially inaugurated the event. Associate Professor Dr. Orathai Piayura, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, delivered a welcoming speech to the distinguished guests and participants.

 

A key highlight of the event was a Special Talk by H.E. Mr. Yongmin Park titled "Soft Power between Korea and Thailand." Ambassador Park discussed the significant role of South Korea's soft power, including K-Pop, Korean dramas, food, fashion, and contemporary culture, in building global appeal and popularity. He also highlighted opportunities for cultural and educational exchange, fostering mutual understanding between the Thai and Korean people, which forms a crucial foundation for strengthening the strong friendship between the two nations.

 

Following the lecture, participants enjoyed and learned about Korean culture through various "Korean Culture Caravan" activities, including:

 

- Trying on Hanbok and Korean school uniforms

- A Korean-style postcard decoration workshop

- Tasting popular Korean dishes

- An OX Quiz on Korean knowledge

- Traditional games and activities inspired by famous Korean dramas

 

This event served as an important platform for promoting cultural understanding and international relations. Assistant Professor Dr. Sukhetsak Wanwaja from the Department of Eastern Languages (Korean major) emphasized the importance of fostering an understanding of Korean culture through sustainable teaching, learning, and cultural exchange, aiming to continuously create opportunities for international knowledge sharing.

 

News/Photo: Corporate Communication Section