South Korean Ambassador Delivers Special Lecture on “The Soft Power Between Korea and Thailand” and Leads Korean Culture Caravan 2025 at Khon Kaen University

2 July 2025
09:01

On June 30, 2025, Khon Kaen University welcomed His Excellency Mr. Yongmin Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Thailand, and his delegation on the occasion of their official visit to the university. Assistant Professor Dr. Atcharaowan Tophakngam, Vice President for International Affairs, represented the university in extending the welcome. Joining the reception were Associate Professor Dr. Orathai Phiaura, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, along with faculty members, staff, and students of the university.

During the visit, Ambassador Park delivered a keynote lecture titled “The Soft Power Between Korea and Thailand,” highlighting the growing influence of cultural diplomacy. The event also featured “Korean Culture Caravan 2025,” jointly organized by the Korean Cultural Center in Thailand, Khon Kaen University, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Assistant Professor Dr. Atcharaowan expressed her deep appreciation for the Ambassador’s visit and for sharing valuable insights on the global relevance of soft power. She emphasized the long-standing and dynamic relationship between Thailand and Korea—particularly in education, media, tourism, and the creative economy—all of which are vital components in building sustainable cultural influence. She also thanked the Korean Cultural Center and the Korean Language Department for organizing the event, which reflects the increasing popularity of Korean culture among Thai students and serves as an inspiration for deeper engagement with Korean language and culture.

Associate Professor Dr. Orathai Phiaura formally welcomed the Ambassador, who expressed his pleasure in meeting students, faculty members, and other attendees. In his lecture, the Ambassador emphasized how both Thailand and Korea utilize soft power to exert cultural influence globally. He praised Thailand’s warm hospitality, friendly people, and rich cultural heritage as strong assets of Thai soft power. In contrast, Korea’s strength lies in its resilience, openness, and creative freedom, which have led to the global rise of K-pop, Korean dramas, fashion, and world-class films.

He stressed that the success of both countries stems from their openness to change, creative cultural integration, and constructive engagement with the global community. A living culture, he said, is one that continues to learn, adapt, and innovate. In the future, soft power will become increasingly significant in a digitally connected world—not only as a means of cultural export but as a tool for fostering cross-cultural understanding, advancing the creative economy, and enhancing a country’s role on the international stage.

He added that both Thailand and South Korea have great potential to expand cooperation in culture, education, and innovation, and to use soft power as a positive influence in the region and the world.

The Korean Culture Caravan 2025 featured a variety of engaging activities, including K-pop cover dance performances, Korean food demonstrations, traditional costume try-ons, craft workshops, tourism showcases, interactive games, and prize giveaways. The event attracted enthusiastic participation from students and the wider university community.