Amb. Kang attended a Korea-Louisina business roundtable hosted by the World Affairs Council of New Orleans on October 26. Amb. Kang highlighted Louisiana’s strategic importance as a hub for abundant energy, world-class energy infrastructure and global trade, and underscored the strong economic ties between Korea and Louisiana, supported by growing trade and significant Korean investments in the state. She also noted that as Korea‘s technological expertise and Louisiana’s industrial strengths have the potential to create synergies for cooperation in key sectors, including energy, LNG, steel, and shipbuilding, expanded bilateral cooperation would provide continued benefits to both sides. The roundtable brought together World Affairs Council of New Orleans, state officials, business and academic leaders from across Louisiana to explore new opportunities for bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to strengthen lasting partnerships between Korean companies and local businesses and communities.

Amb. Kang hosted a luncheon with members of the Korean American community in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 26, where she explained ROK-U.S. economic cooperation and other areas of mutual interest. Korean American community members spoke about their concerns and suggestions, requesting continued attention and support during times of natural disasters, including frequent hurricanes. Amb. Kang commended them for their longstanding efforts to honor Korean War veterans and strengthen friendship between the two countries through economic and cultural exchanges. She reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting Korean Americans and Korean businesses in the region. 🇰🇷🇺🇸

Amb. Kang delivered her remarks at a public seminar at Tulane University on “Shipbuilding, Security, and Supply Chains: The U.S.-ROK Maritime Partnership.” on October 26. She highlighted how the ROK-U.S. 🇰🇷🇺🇸 Alliance, built on more than seven decades of trust, is expanding beyond traditional security cooperation to include shipbuilding and maritime industries amid a rapidly changing global environment. Amb. Kang underscored the potential for Korea’s shipbuilding expertise and skilled workforce, combined with the United States’ advanced technologies and market strengths, to create synergies in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), shipyard modernization, and smart shipyard development. The seminar brought together scholars and experts, including representatives from Tulane University, the Korea Economic Institute (KEI), and other academic and policy institutions, to exchange views on the future of ROK-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation and ways to strengthen bilateral supply chains and economic security.

University of Notre Dame students majoring in International Relations visited the Embassy of the Republic of Korea on October 20. Minister for Public Diplomacy Yoon Chusok explained to the students the history and current state of ROK-U.S. relations, the importance of the Alliance, bilateral economic cooperation—including investments in the United States by Korean companies and the Korean government—and efforts to expand people-to-people exchanges, including the growth of Korean language and Korean studies programs across the United States. In a subsequent Q&A session, the students engaged with diplomats of the ROK Embassy on various aspects of ROK-U.S. relations and learned more about the roles and responsibilities of diplomats. We hope this visit provided the students with a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of the ROK-U.S. relationship and gain firsthand insights into the work of diplomacy. We wish the University of Notre Dame students every success in their future endeavors!

On October 13, Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha visited the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C. to show her strong support for the Korean defense companies participating in the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) exhibition. During the visit, Ambassador Kang met with representatives of Korean businesses working to expand their presence in the U.S. market, and was deeply impressed with their technological calibre and competitiveness as potential partners with U.S. firms. The visit was part of the Korean Government’s larger efforts to support Korean defense companies’ efforts in the U.S. market and expand the Korean defense industry’s global reach.

Happy #HangeulDay (한글날)! 🇰🇷 Designed to be easy to learn and logical, Hangeul continues to connect people and carry Korea’s language, culture, and identity across generations. In celebration of Hangeul Day, stop by the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. to create your own Korean postcard! ✍️ #한글날 #Hangeul #KoreanCulture 🗓️October 5–16, 2026 | 1:00–5:00 PM 📍Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (1st Floor) washingtondc.korean-culture.…

Delighted to meet with the cast and staff of Maybe Happy Ending, playing at the National Theatre in DC. The Tony-winning Best Musical is a Korean original musical adapted to Broadway. Seeing it for the second time - the first time in NY- I was even more moved by the story and the outstanding acting/singing on stage!

On the evening of Tuesday, September 29, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea hosted a reception to celebrate Korean National Day at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. From traditional Korean food and drink to dance and attire, the reception introduced guests to many diverse aspects of Korean culture in one setting, helping to bring the K-Initiative to life. The food offered a glimpse into Korea's rich culinary traditions by incorporating a wide variety of seafood, including seaweed, squid, and pollock roe. A nearby booth highlighted the breadth and diversity of Korea's drinking culture by offering samples of modern drinks widely enjoyed by Koreans, like soju and beer, as well as a variety of traditional Korean alcoholic beverages. The reception also featured a performance by the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre of excerpts from their show "Mimesis". The performance brought together traditional Korean dance and contemporary artistic expression to showcase the depth and evolution of Korea's performing arts. It received an enthusiastic response from the audience. The evening also saw a number of participants clad in hanbok, traditional Korean attire. In addition to the performers who wore hanbok as part of their show, many guests attended the reception wearing hanbok. With its variety of colors and styles, this showed that hanbok is not just traditional attire, it is a living form of dress that continues to be worn and enjoyed to this day.

During our visit to Hanwha Philly Shipyard with U.S. congressional staff, we saw firsthand how Korean investment is helping revitalize America’s shipbuilding industry. The yard’s transformation since Hanwha’s acquisition demonstrates the tangible impact Korean investment is already making on the ground.   The potential for deeper Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation is enormous. Fully realizing that potential will require continued congressional engagement and support, including efforts to facilitate the entry of skilled Korean workers whose expertise can help strengthen the U.S. shipbuilding workforce.   Congressional staff saw that Korean investment is delivering real results—and that sustained congressional support will be key to taking this cooperation to the next level. We look forward to working closely with Congress to unlock the full potential of Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation.

On the evening of Tuesday, September 29, Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha hosted a reception to celebrate Korean National Day and Armed Forces Day in the Courtyard of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. The reception brought together approximately 1,300 guests from the U.S. government, Congress, academia, and the Diplomatic Corps, including Senator Andy Kim and Congressman Joe Wilson. In her welcoming remarks, Ambassador Kang highlighted the continued high-level exchanges between the Republic of Korea and the United States, including the recent bilateral presidential summit held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. She also noted the continued expansion of communication and cooperation between the two countries across a wide range of areas, including security, the economy, technology, and culture. Ambassador Kang reaffirmed the two countries' commitment to advancing the Alliance based on their common goals and called on those in attendance to join in this shared journey. Senator Andy Kim, Congressman Joe Wilson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Wilezol, and Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force Gentry Stephens each delivered congratulatory remarks, reflecting on more than 70 years of the ROK-U.S. Alliance and expressing their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations in the years ahead. The reception also featured a warmly received performance by the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre, offering guests a memorable opportunity to experience the beauty and richness of traditional Korean dance.

Great to meet with Sen. Jim Banks today and discuss Korea’s newly announced investment in the United States. We also exchanged views on supporting Korean companies investing across America, including SK hynix in Indiana, and expanding cooperation in shipbuilding and other areas.

Delighted to meet with Sen. Mark Kelly and grateful for his strong support for the enduring ROK-U.S. Alliance. We discussed ways to further strengthen the Alliance and advance ROK-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation—efforts that will contribute to rebuilding the U.S. Navy and strengthening America’s industrial base.

🇰🇷 Go Korea! Working Holiday Talk is back for Round 2! ✨ Thinking about a Working Holiday in Korea? Join our Working Holiday Talk to learn the essentials of the program and hear real stories and practical tips from early participants. 📅 14 October 🕘 09:00–10:30 (KST) 🇨🇦 Toronto: 13 Oct, 20:00–21:30 🇺🇸 Los Angeles (PDT, UTC-7): 13 Oct, 17:00–18:30 🇦🇺 Sydney: 14 Oct, 11:00–12:30 💬 Q&A session included 🎁 Join the mini-quiz for a chance to win Korean learning coupons! Scan the QR code or check the link in our profile to register. #WorkingHoliday #WorkingHolidayKorea #KoreaWorkingHoliday #H1Visa #VisitKorea #한국워홀