Journalists from Laos, Vietnam, Japan, Brunei Darussalam and the United Arab Emirates gather for the opening of the International Journalists Invitation Programme on Monday.

S. Korea kicks off International Journalists Invitation Programme

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea has invited journalists from around the world to attend the International Journalists Invitation Programme 2024.
This cohort sees participants from Laos, Vietnam, Japan, Brunei Darussalam, and the United Arab Emirates
The opening ceremony of the programme took place on Monday, attended by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries, and Ministry of Environment.
The programme aims to broaden global understanding of Korea and enables participating journalists to become experts on the country, its values and outstanding features, by acquiring deeper knowledge of its history and modern-day accomplishments.
The invitation aims to foster value of local communities that achieve sustainable growth in South Korea, including in carbon neutrality and ESG, while highlighting the quality of Korea’s cultural traditions.
The programme runs from September 22-28 and includes talks and visits in relation to Korean culture, tourism and food, as well as the country’s social and economic development.
On Monday, participants visited Bukchon and the Gyeongbokgung Palace, accompanied by a history guide, experienced a palace in the heart of the city, and visited Heungnyemun Gate, Geumcheon Bridge, Geunjeongjeon and Gyeonghoeru.
Bukchon is a neighbourhood with a dense concentration of traditional Korean houses, or hanoks, that have been preserved since the Joseon Dynasty, enabling visitors to experience traditional Korean architecture and lifestyle.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty that was established in 1395 (the 4th year of King Taejo’s reign) after the foundation of the dynasty in 1392.
The name “Gyeongbok” means that “the new dynasty shall have good fortune and prosper”. Among the major palaces in Seoul (Gyeonghuigung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Changdeokgung), Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest.
Historically and aesthetically, it is the most visited by tourists and is considered to be one of the most iconic symbols of Seoul.

By Viengdavanh Banphahaksa
(Latest Update September 30, 2024)