By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) has created the Yongmasan Skywalk Observatory on Seoul Trail Course 4 for clear views of both forest and city scenery. Seoul Trail is a citywide trekking route comprised of 21 connected paths that follow mountains, rivers, and village roads around the outer edge of Seoul. The full course extends for 156.5 km. The Yongmasan Skywalk Observatory is the first project built under Seoul Trail 2.0 to add a fresh spatial experience. Yongmasan Mountain is the highest mountain in Jungnang-gu with an elevation of 348 m. The trail is w
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young President Lee Jae-myung, currently on an official visit to Egypt, stated, “Korea and Egypt have agreed to jointly contribute to international peace, including on the Korean Peninsula and in the Middle East, as ‘peace promoters.’” President Lee announced the results of the summit during a joint press conference with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at the Egyptian Presidential Palace on Nov. 20 local time. President Lee explained, “During the talks, we held in-depth discussions on the recent situations on the Korean Peninsula and in the Middle East,” adding, “Pr
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Gil-ju Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jina met with President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) Tomas Heidar, who was visiting Korea to attend the 10th International Conference on the Law of the Sea (ICLS) on Nov. 18. During the meeting, they exchanged views on key issues related to the law of the sea and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the Korean government and ITLOS. The meeting was joined by Judge Kriangsak Kittichaisaree of Thailand, Judge Frida Armas Pfirter of Argentina, Judge Rhee Zha Hyoung of the Republic of Kor
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, led by Chairman and CEO James Kim, hosted the 18th AMCHAM CEO Servers' Night at the Conrad Seoul Hotel on November 6, bringing together leading executives from across the business community for a meaningful evening in supporting of underprivileged students. Organized by AMCHAM’s Partners for the Future Foundation, the annual charity event raises scholarship funds for university students facing financial hardship. This year’s event held special meaning as the Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary, hosting the large
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Gil-ju Korea and Laos have reached an agreement to deepen cooperation in countering transnational crime and expand collaboration into future-oriented economic sectors during vice-ministerial talks held in Seoul on November 24. Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo and Laotian Deputy Foreign Minister Phongsamouth Anlavan shared concerns over the growing threat of online scam operations and cross-border cyber-enabled criminal networks. Both sides agreed to strengthen investigative cooperation and enhance operational channels between law enforcement authorities. Vice Minist
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee Kia Corporation celebrated the completion of its dedicated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) facility, the Hwaseong EVO Plant East, and the breaking of ground for the EVO Plant West, a large-scale PBV production facility in Korea on Nov. 14. Combined, Kia will have an annual PBV production capacity of 250,000 units as part of its aim to establish a future PBV production hub. The ceremony was held at Kia’s AutoLand Hwaseong plant, located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The event was attended by around 200 guests, including Min-seok Kim, Prime Minister of the Repub
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI), led by President & CEO Marie Antonia von Schönburg, has released the 11th CSR Report of German Companies in Korea on Nov. 24, highlighting how German businesses are deepening their social, environmental and community engagement across the country. The annual report, now in its eleventh year, features corporate social responsibility initiatives from nine German companies: Armacell Korea, Bayer Korea, Boehringer Ingelheim Korea, Henkel Korea, Mercedes-Benz Korea, Porsche Korea, Robert Bosch Korea, Si
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Embassy of France in Seoul hosted the 2025 Regional Meeting of French Ambassadors in East Asia on Nov. 20. The Embassy had the honor and pleasure of welcoming French Ambassadors from twelve countries in the region, as well as several senior officials from the Ministry, for two days of discussions on political, economic, and technological issues in the region. This was also an opportunity to reflect on the Ministry's transformation and the managerial experiences of each participant, and to meet with Korean diplomats and researchers. Sunday also included a to
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Gil-ju The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the "Korea-Laos Future Forum" in Seoul on November 24, 2025. Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Laos, the forum consisted of three sessions: "Session 1: Partners for Peace and Stability," "Session 2: A Springboard for Growth and Innovation," and "Session 3: Facilitators for Achieving Dreams and Hopes." Approximately 80 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, experts, businesspeople, and academia, attended. In her opening r
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo SK hynix shared its next-generation AI memory strategy and roadmap at the SK AI Summit 2025 held in Seoul from November 3–4. At the summit held under the theme “AI Now & Next,” the company elevated its vision from becoming a full-stack AI memory provider to embracing a broader role as a full-stack AI memory “creator.” Hosted annually by SK Group, the event was formerly known as the SK Tech Summit but has evolved with a greater focus on AI to become the SK AI Summit since 2024. This year’s event brought together global AI experts and industry professionals t
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Samsung Electronics announced on Nov. 19 that it has supplied more than 6,000 hospitality TVs and Smart Signage displays to Royal Caribbean`s Star of the Seas, the world’s best family vacation. The installation spans guest cabins, crew quarters and public areas — including lounges and theaters. This collaboration marks the latest milestone in a longstanding partnership, with Samsung serving as Royal Caribbean’s official display technology provider across the vacation brand`s fleet over 21 years. Completing its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, in Augu
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young Trust. When this one word is broken, even the strongest national power loses its persuasiveness, and even the most eloquent diplomatic messages return as empty echoes. Today's international society is a complex web of intertwined national interests. Consequently, "consistency between words and actions" plays a greater role in diplomacy than ever before. However, reality is different. A "Myeonjongbokbae (面從腹背 outwardly obedient, yet inwardly betraying) attitude— is evident throughout international relations. This duplicity in diplomacy recurs not only between
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) announced the Namdaemun Market Innovation Project to transform Namdaemun Market into a Global Heritage Traditional Market. The market boasts 600 years of history and is Korea’s largest traditional marketplace with about 20,000 wholesale and retail shops. At the center of Namdaemun Market, an arcade inspired by the eaves of a hanok will highlight its history and identity. A multi-level pedestrian path overlooking Sungnyemun Gate will guide visitors through the area. The path between Namsan Mountain and Namdaemun Market will