On Monday, October 12, 2026, Mr. Kim Young-ok, Chairperson of the IWK–Ilwonkwang Association, and Mr. Kim Taiwon, Executive Director, met with H.E. Ambassador Lee Jae-woong at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Finland.
During the meeting, they shared the achievements and outcomes of Korea Päivä (Korea Day), a three-day celebration of Korean culture held at the Tampere King Sejong Institute from October 9 to 11. The event successfully showcased Korean language, culture, and heritage, further strengthening cultural engagement and fostering connections between Korea and Finnish communities.
The meeting also provided a valuable opportunity to present IWK’s vision for expanding international exchange initiatives across Europe and developing sustainable partnerships that promote cultural understanding, educational cooperation, and institutional collaboration.
In particular, discussions explored opportunities to strengthen educational and cultural ties between Finland and higher education institutions affiliated with Wonkwang Educational Foundation, which operate King Sejong Institutes not only in Europe but also in Asia. Recognizing the potential for broader international collaboration, Ambassador Lee expressed his willingness, in his capacity as head of the Korean diplomatic mission in Finland, to explore various avenues of cooperation and help facilitate meaningful connections between relevant institutions.
The meeting marked an encouraging step toward building stronger partnerships between public institutions and civil society organizations. With continued cooperation between diplomatic missions, educational institutions, and local partners, IWK–Ilwonkwang Association looks forward to contributing to a more dynamic and interconnected network of international exchange between Korea, Finland, and the wider European region.