On April 25, a delegation from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Irkutsk headed by Consul General Mr. Han Seong Chin paid a visit to Altai State University.
The meeting was attended by Roman Raikin, Vice-Rector for International Affairs Development of ASU, Professor Yulia Lysenko, Head of the Department of Oriental Studies at the Institute of History and International Relations of ASU, Head of the Scientific and Educational Center for Altaic and Turkic Studies "The Greater Altai", Cho Kyungho, the Korean language teacher, and Viktor Barsukov, Attaché of the Government of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in Barnaul.
During the meeting, Roman Raikin outlined the university’s international engagement initiatives, emphasizing the academic and scientific collaboration opportunities with Korean universities. Discussions specifically addressed the expansion of Korean studies programs at Altai State University, including the development of internship and student exchange frameworks to enhance cross-cultural learning.
Yulia Lysenko elaborated on the department’s educational focus in Korean language acquisition, cultural studies, and contemporary societal analysis of Korea. She highlighted the rising student interest in Korean linguistics and the growing professional demand for graduates specializing in this field.
The delegation subsequently attended a meeting with students majoring in Korean studies at the Institute of History and International Relations of ASU. During the event, the students showcased a brief dance performance and narrated fairy tales in Korean.
The Consul General commended the students’ advanced proficiency in Korean, remarking that mastering the language typically requires at least a decade of study. He further encouraged them to remain committed to achieving their objectives. Mr. Han Seong Chin emphasized that academic pursuits should remain the foremost priority for young people and reminded the students of the significance of caring for their parents.
Mr. Han Seong Chin outlined the Consulate General’s initiatives and shared some facts from his life, highlighting artistry as a critical diplomatic skill-a principle and exemplifing it in his speeach. His also demonstrated extensive knowledge of Russia, which fostered rapport with the audience, while interactive exchanges allowed students to earn commemorative tokens for correct responses.
The event culminated in a group photo session and distribution of symbolic gifts to all attendees. Subsequently, participants proceeded to the Premiere cinema for the Korean Cinema Day opening, where the Consul General delivered an address. Local K-pop cover troupes Vendetta and Yusun performed, captivating Barnaul residents with their routines, the "Korea through the eyes of Siberians" photo exhibition, and the screening of the family drama titled "Stay with Me."