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Mr. Mark Tokola, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy, met with civic leaders of Busan Metropolitan City, with whom he discussed Busan’s plans for development. From left, Director General Jung Hyun-min, Executive Office for Future Strategies; Consul Tyler Allen; DCM Mark Tokola; Ambassador Nam Gwan-pyo, International Relations Advisor to Busan Metropolitan City; Director General Lee Jong-chul, Autonomous Administration Bureau; Director General Lee Yong-ho, Environmental Bureau. | |
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Mr. Mark Tokola, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy, represented the United States at the annual United Nations Day ceremony held at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan. The ceremony annually honors the fallen soldiers of the Korean War. Representatives from 11 countries and various veterans groups gathered to honor those who served in the conflict. | |
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October 20, 2009 | |
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U.S. Consul Tyler Allen visited Samduk Stafild Co., Ltd., the largest Busan company currently investing in the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC). The company, which employs 150 in South Korea and 2900 in Kaesong, produces 187,500 pairs of shoes per month for major shoe companies, including Asics and Prospecs. Samduk Stafild President Moon Chang-seop (left) previously served as the Chairman of the KIC Business Association. | |
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October 17, 2009 | |
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NASA Assistant Administrator for Education Dr. Joyce Winterton enjoyed a day with the students of Jangyeongsil Science High School. Dr. Winterton shared with the students a discussion on the many educational opportunities NASA provides. | |
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October 13, 2009 | |
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U.S. Consul Tyler Allen congratulated the Daedong Scholarship Association and its recipients for the great community service they provide. In addition to a 29-year history of providing scholarships, Daedong doubles as a Korea-America friendship association, involving USG offices in Busan in various community events. This year, Daedong awarded 17 scholarships to secondary students. | |
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October 12, 2009 | |
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American business PPG Korea repainted the UN Forces Monument at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan. U.S. Consul Tyler Allen had the privilege to help coordinate this project between PPG and the UNMCK. | |
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September 29-30, 2009 | |
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Mr. Mark Jorgensen from the consular section of the U.S. Embassy provided various services to American citizens in Busan. Over two days, Mr. Jorgensen handled passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, notarials, marriage, and more out of the APP offices. | |
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September 25, 2009 | |
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U.S. Consul Tyler Allen met with the new Global Studies Program at Pusan National University. Mr. Allen led an interactive discussion on the many official, business, military, and cultural ties the United States has with Busan. Students were surprised to learn how deep and varied the U.S. relationship with one city can be. | |
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Welcoming the Prosecutor General Back to Busan | |
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September 16, 2009 - The Busan diplomatic corps hosted a reception for Prosecutor General Kim Joon-gyu welcoming him back to Busan. Prior to his appointment as Prosecutor General, Mr. Kim worked as the Chief Prosecutor of the High Prosecutor’s Office in Busan. U.S. Consul Tyler Allen sincerely enjoyed Mr. Kim’s company again here in Busan. | |
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Looking Toward a Bright Future for Hialeah | |
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September 15, 2009 - U.S. Consul Tyler Allen joined Busan Mayor Hur Nam-sik as he visited Camp Hialeah for the first time since its closure in 2006. The APP is working with Busan City as it plans for the eventual return of Camp Hialeah and prepares to transform the land into a park for the citizens of Busan. | |
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Securing American Businesses in Busan | |
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September 3, 2009 - The U.S. Embassy’s Regional Security Officer Greg Levin (3rd from left) introduced the Overseas Security Advisory Council (www.osac.gov) to members of the American Business Forum during their monthly meeting. Business representatives learned how the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security can assist American companies with physical security, evacuation plans, and other key security issues. | |
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U.S.-Korea Relations in the 21st Century | |
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August 18, 2009 - U.S. Consul Tyler Allen lectured to two sessions of education in-service, one with the Busan Metropolitan City Board of Education on August 18 (Left), and then to the Ulsan Institute of Foreign Language Education on August 24 (Right). These programs broadened Korean teachers’ understanding of the United States and its ties with Korea, particularly concerning the cultural, political, and economic ties between the two countries. | |
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July 16, 2009 | |
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On July 16, the APP Officer visited Nakdong Elementary School to lecture to 300 6th graders. The APP Officer explained the work of diplomats and that many people – celebrities, sports stars, soldiers, and even students – play a role in building friendship between two countries. | |
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July 13, 2009 | |
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On July 13, the APP spoke on U.S.-ROK relations and life as a foreigner in Korea to an Exchange Program at Ulsan University. Students from the United States, South Korea, Canada, Morocco, China, and Japan attended. | |
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Who will be the next Mr. Ban? July 10, 2009 | |
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On July 10, the APP Officer represented the United States at a successful and unique initiative – the International Student Diplomacy Seminar of the “Just Like Mr. Ban” project. Busan City chose 70 gifted students to serve as delegates from ten countries in a mock conference on global warming and climate change. Actual diplomats from each of these countries also attended, presenting bilateral issues between their countries and the Republic of Korea, and interacting with the students, sharing their experiences as professional representatives. The APP Officer shared examples of environmental and scientific cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Korea, and also enjoyed coaching the students on a career in diplomacy. (more photos) | |
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Co-hosting English Education FairJuly 9, 2009 | |
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The APP co-sponsored the First Annual Busan City English Education Fair at BEXCO, July 9 - 11. The APP reached out to potential foreign students by answering questions on student visas at its booth and at two student visa seminars. | |
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Celebrating 233 Years of the United States of America in BusanJuly 3, 2009 | |
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The Independence Day Celebration in Busan on July 3, 2009, hosted by APP Busan, was a great success. National Assemblyman Kim Jung-hoon and Colonel Terry Hodges from USAG Daegu joined friends from Busan City, the American business community, the U.S. government, and more to formally celebrate 233 years of U.S. independence, the first time in 12 years such an event was held in Busan. (more photos) | |
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June 5, 2009 | |
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On June 5, the APP Officer was the keynote speaker at Busan Foreign School’s graduation ceremony. He encouraged the students to keep balance in their life as they tackle their future endeavors. He also challenged them to find joy and wonder in the little things in life. | |
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May 28, 2009 | |
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On May 28, the APP Officer met with National Assemblyman Kim Se-yeon and President of Pukyong National University Park Maeng-eon. Representative Kim then gave an inspiring lecture on leadership to PKNU’s students. | |
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May 26, 2009 | |
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The APP Officer lectured on U.S.-Korea relations to an enthusiastic audience at Dong-A University’s College of Law on May 26. The discussion specifically focused on how U.S.-Korea relations are modernizing for the 21st Century. | |
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May 9, 2009 | |
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On May 9, the APP Officer joined Busan City’s Office of International Cooperation, the Busan Foundation for International Activity, BEXCO officials, and fellow diplomats for an annual day of hiking and fellowship. True to the name of the sponsor, the Office of International Cooperation, this was an excellent opportunity for Koreans, Chinese, Japanese, Americans, and Indonesians to share ideas and friendship. | |
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May 1, 2009 | |
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In honor of Foreign Affairs Community Service Day, May 1, members of the APP visited Sung Ae Won, a Busan orphanage of 70+ children. The APP enjoyed a couple hours playing and coloring with a dozen three-year olds. | |
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Lecturing in PohangApril 28, 2009 | |
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The APP Officer Tyler Allen had a great visit to Pohang on April 28. He started the day visiting with Mayor Park Seung-ho and then lectured on U.S.-Korea relations to the School of International Studies and Language & Literature at Handong Global University and again at Sunlin College. Through the lectures, the students and APP Officer discussed cultural, economic, and strategic ties, and how they are further strengthening between the two countries. | |
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Local UNESCO Chapter Welcomes the APPApril 23, 2009 | |
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On April 23, the Busan chapter of UNESCO expressed its appreciation to the United States by inviting the APP Officer for lunch, remarks, and an impressive performance. In addition to getting to know the UNESCO members, the APP enjoyed watching three local high school students perform the traditional arts of pan sori and nongak | |
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Rotary Club Promoting U.S.-Korea ExchangesApril 23, 2009 | |
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On April 23, the APP exchanged experiences with three professionals from Busan’s sister city, Los Angeles. The Rotary Club is active in exchanges of professionals and students, as well as giving the APP opportunities to reach both Korean and American audiences. | |
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Courtesy Call on BJFEZ DirectorApril 20, 2009 | |
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| On April 20, APP Officer Tyler Allen called on Commissioner Kim Moon-hee of BJFEZ to learn about the Zone’s development plans. | |
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Meeting with 20 Students from Pukyong National University April 17, 2009 | |
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| The APP hosted 20 PKNU students on April 17. As part of their class, the students visited the APP and learned about the work it performs in the Yeongnam region. | |
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Easter Lecutres at the Magic English Bus and Moulundae Elementary SchoolApril 13, 2009 | |
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| On April 13, the U. S. Embassy’s Blythe Guignon came down to Busan to visit the Magic English Bus and Molundae Elementary School. She had four lectures with the students, discussing how the U.S. celebrates Easter. | |
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APP Officer Attends the Green Energy Expo in DaeguApril 8, 2009 | |
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| APP Officer Tyler Allen returned to Daegu on April 8 to participate in the 6th Annual Green Energy Expo. The Expo was an impressive collection of energy saving technologies from all over the world. While there, the APP Officer met with Daegu Mayor Kim Bum-il (right), Gyeongbuk Governor Kim Kwan-yong, and Ambassador Nam Sang-jung, international relations advisor to Gyeongbuk (left). | |
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March 4, 2009 | |
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| On March 4, APP Officer Tyler Allen attended the opening of two new exhibits at the Busan Museum – a display on Ancient Mongolia and a new permanent Donation Gallery. He particularly had the honor of meeting two American donors, who provided goods collected by their ancestor, the first Presbyterian missionary in Busan. | |
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February 26, 2009 | |
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| On February 26, the APP hosted 20 representatives from 14 different American businesses and related institutions to discuss the forming of an American Business Community forum. At this inaugural meeting, participants discussed ways the potential of such a body and how to develop it to best suit its members. | |
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APP Officer Tyler Allen Congratulates Busan on the Launching of Busan e-FM, English RadioFebruary 25, 2009 | |
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| On February 25, APP Officer Tyler Allen attended the launching ceremony for Busan’s first English language radio station, E-FM. In his remarks, the APP Officer congratulated E-FM on its launching and wished the station considerable success. E-FM, which shares a variety of programming with Seoul’s Arirang, can be found at 90.5 FM in Busan. | |
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APP Officer Tyler Allen Congratulates Busan Ilbo on its 20,000th issue.February 24, 2009 | |
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| On February 24, Busan Ilbo celebrated the printing of its 20,000th issue. APP Officer Tyler Allen attended Busan Ilbo reception celebrating its printing 20,000 issue and made a congratulatory toast. | |
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February 13, 2009 | |
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| On February 13, US Embassy’s Regional Program Officer Jean Vander Woude, IRC Director Kim Su Nam, and APP Officer Tyler Allen banded together to formally donate over USD 2000 worth of books, games, and costumes to Busan City’s Magic English Bus. With APP participation, the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education introduced the Bus, a mobile English study center, as part of the City’s efforts to expand English infrastructure and improve access to English education. | |
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February 10-11, 2009 | |
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| APP Officer Tyler Allen had a great trip to Jeju-Do for various meetings over February 10 and 11, 2009. While there, he called on Jeju City Mayor Kang Taek-sang (top left), Advisor for International Relations Ambassador Moon Ha-young (top right), Jeju Vice Governor Yoo Durksang, and Superintendant of Education Yang Seong-eon. The APP Officer also visited the International Convention Center Jeju, the Jeju Development Institute, and the Jeju Free International City Development Center, where he learned about Jeju’s extensive development plans. | |
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February 5, 2009 | |
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| On February 5, 2009, APP Officer Tyler Allen paid a visit on Mr. Park Maeung-woo, mayor of Ulsan Metropolitian City, and then met with the Ulsan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. | |
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February 5, 2009 | |
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| On February 5, 2009, APP Officer Tyler Allen lectured on the historic nature of President Barack Obama’s inauguration to 60 middle and high school English teachers at the Ulsan Institute of Foreign Language Education. Following the lecture, teachers asked questions on President Obama’s new educational agendas, U.S.-Korea relations, and the War in Iraq. | |
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January 30, 2009 | |
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| APP Officer Tyler Allen lectured on the historic nature of President Barack Obama’s inauguration at Pusan National University. Through his remarks, the APP Officer gave a brief history of racial segregation in the United States and showed some clips of President Obama’s inaugural address, sharing examples of how the President has begun to tackle his outlined agenda. In organizing the event, the APP partnered with Campus Bonanza, a reputable, multi-university, language club. | |
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January 20, 2009 | |
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The APP ventured across to City Hall to share information on the Visa Waiver Program and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
80 representatives from travel agencies, City Hall, and district offices attended, listened attentively, and asked very pertinent questions. | |
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January 15, 2009 | |
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On January 15, Metro News came by the office to cover APP Busan. The Metro is one of two complimentary newspapers available on the subway system. The interview appeared in the February 2 issue. | |
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January 3, 2009 | |
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On January 3, APP Officer Tyler Allen met with Campus Bonanza to discuss U.S.-Korea relations. Campus Bonanza gathers students interested in English and international affairs from various universities. The APP and Campus Bonanza have agreed to partner on various upcoming events. | |
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January 2, 2009 | |
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On January 2, APP Officer Tyler Allen attended the annual New Year celebration, hosted by the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and met with many Busan VIPs and lawmakers. | |
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January 2009 | |
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APP Officer Tyler Allen has enjoyed reaching out to the many American businesses in Busan, shown here meeting with PPG (Left) and the American Bureau of Shipping (Right).
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