WorldOregon welcomes a distinguished panel of guests from the Korean Economic Institute (KEI), the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA, the U.S. Department of State, and Business Oregon for look at the array of dimensions in the U.S.-Korea relationship and Oregon’s role. 

Did you know:

• South Korea is one of Oregon’s top five trading partners (exports to South Korea were $1.6 billion in 2021; and in 2022 Oregon celebrated 10 years of being the only U.S. state exporting blueberries to South Korea). 
• Oregon is home to more than 35,000 Korean Americans. 
• Portland has strong ties to South Korea through its Sister City Ulsan (Portland is the primary U.S. entry-point for Hyundai cars, shipped from Ulsan; and Portland State University has an exchange program with the University of Ulsan).
• This region is home to significant foreign-direct-investment from South Korea, including: active/athletic-wear company Nau (owned by Black Yak), NH-Hay (owned by Nonghyup Feed Inc), engineering firm Otak (owned by Hanmi Global); and the container carrier SM Line
• And starting in fall 2023, Delta Air Lines is planning to launch nonstop service from PDX to Seoul

This is a rare opportunity to bring together experts with rich perspectives on the economic, diplomatic, and cultural dynamics in the U.S.-Korea-Oregon relationship —not only broadening awareness of Korean-U.S. relations, but also highlighting Oregon’s significance as a gateway for the Pacific Rim. 

Featuring: 

• Mark Tokola, Vice-President, Korean Economic Institute
• Hyun-suk Lim, Intellectual Property Counselor, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA
• Aaron Thompson, Economic Officer, S. Department of State
• Sharon Kim-Geib, Global Trade Specialist, Business Oregon

Attendees are invited to join our esteemed panelists for a reception and networking event with drinks and refreshments directly following the public program!

Special thank you to our community partners Business Oregon and Oregon’s Honorary Consuls for the Republic of Korea. 

Future of Korea 2022 (KEI) is presented by Korea Economic Institute of America and made possible in part through a grant from the World Affairs Councils of America’s Engage America series.