The ceremony was directed by Iñigo Diaz, Vice President of Academic Affairs of our University, and had the presence of Mr. José Morandé Lavín, Director of the Institute of International Studies; Mr. Yim Chang-soon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Chile and Mr. Hahn Young-Hee, Executive Vice President of the Korea Foundation.
Mr. Inigo Diaz declared during the opening session that it was an honor for the University of Chile to host this meeting, and said that initiatives like the Korean Program of the Institute of International Studies are remarkably important for the Institution, and must be sustained and supported during time.
Afterwards, Mr. Yim Chang-soon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Chile, thanked to the University its interest and dedication towards the Korean Studies, stressing that his country still looks to become better known in Latin America. Likewise, and considering the approach that has led the signing of the FTA between both countries, the diplomatic called on Chile to see Korea as a useful and constructive partner for the region.
The Director of the Institute of International Studies at the University of Chile, Prof. Jose Morande, welcomed the participants stating that: "This meeting represents the next step of previous efforts developed by academics from several American countries such Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and Chile, who have successfully organized the previous meetings with the support of the Korea Foundation. Thus, the Program of Korean Studies at the University of Chile has committed to develop a comprehensive and multidisciplinary call to keep strengthening the academic debate of Korean studies in Latin America. It also seeks to spread the knowledge of this topic and encourage joint participation of specialists and students, and to collaborate in the construction of Latin American networks oriented to deepen their studies. "
Mr. Morande also referred to the debate over the Republic of Korea. "This country has attracted considerable academic and public interest, for their outstanding achievements in a very short transit of time, from a developing economy to a highly industrialized. Hence then it is one of the most emblematic examples to be followed by countries like ours.
The Korea' success has among its most important bases, the special quality of its people, their effort and creativity in order to innovate and their amazing educational development, which have been decisive for the level of prestige that that nation has, not only regionally but also at the global level."
Mr. Hahn Young-Hee Executive Vice President of the Korea Foundation, thanked to our academic program its contribution to the dissemination of Korea's contribution to the world, and remarked that the Education of his country has sought to establish an infrastructure for the development of Korean Studies by supporting curriculum, academic exchanges, scholarships, and sponsoring of events such this one.
Finally, the Director of Korean Studies Program, Prof. Martin Perez-Le Fort, stressed the importance of this event in order to create spaces for debate and exchange that serves to strengthen the academic networks around Korea.
The Program of Korean Studies was created in January, 2006 as an effort of The Institute of International Studies and its Asia Pacific Center, with the aim of deepens the knowledge of this important country. Our Institute has a long tradition in the study of Asia Pacific Area since its early creation, 43 years ago.
It is also one of the pioneering institutions in Chile in this matter and comprises an area of research that contributes to the academic knowledge and reflection on issues and problems of the region whose results represent greater challenges for the future.
As part of the development of Korean Studies Program, this academic effort includes a significant academic gains with a balanced plan for research, teaching and extension, as well as a of building international networks. The program also has developed several research projects related to history, policy affairs, social and cultural rights on the unification of Korea as well as about the impact of Korean immigration processes in Chile. The whole research work has been produced under the supervision of Professor Perez Le-Fort, who has achieved international financing from the Academy of Korean Studies through globally competitive contests.
The program has organized international seminaries continuously with the financial support from The Korea Foundation, with several experts in Korean studies as speakers. Those experts, from South Korea, United States, Europe and Latin America, have helped to a higher debate about regional issues and have strengthened the building of networks at international level. Within the subjects discussed, the most important are energy, innovation, technology, national unification, and regional security policies.
In teaching, there's an advanced seminar about Korea in the Master of International Studies, according to the demands of the program and the interest of its students. There's also an annual contest for scholarships for thesis about Korean studies, aiming to stimulate this kind of research, centered on exterior policies, national unification policies, and economic development.
The efforts to build networks have produce promising results through links with academic institutions in Korea, United States and Latin America.
Finally, everyone interested in participate in the Chile-Korea forum is invited to join, this is an activity with Korean and Chilean academics, organized also by the Asia Pacific Center that will be held between November 30th and December 1st at our institution.
