As South Korea’s ambassador to Hungary for the second time, H.E. Chul-min Park returns with a clear mission: to deepen one of Hungary’s most important economic and cultural partnerships. In an exclusive interview with Daily News Hungary, Ambassador Park discusses the future of Korean investments, the growing popularity of K-culture, expanding tourism and educational ties, and why Hungary’s next chapter with South Korea should be built not only on factories and trade, but on innovation, research, and shared knowledge.
Daily News Hungary (DNH): I would like to begin with a slightly personal question. You have now returned to Hungary as Ambassador for the second time. What did you miss most about Hungary, and where do you see the biggest changes compared with your previous posting here?
H. E. Chul-min Park: I have a special bond with Hungary. I first came here in 2004 as a director in charge of the Korean Prime Minister’s visit and later arrived as the first Ambassador in December 2020. Above all, because of my previous ties with Hungary, I missed the friends and colleagues with whom I worked hard and shared many memories the most. In particular, when my tenure as Ambassador ended earlier than expected at the end of 2022, I felt heavy-hearted about the many unfinished tasks I had to leave behind. So, when the opportunity arose to serve once again as Ambassador to Hungary, I could not have been more excited and grateful. I am committed to giving my very best to make a meaningful contribution to the advancement of relations between our two countries.
The biggest change can be described as the deepening of the strategic partnership between our two countries. Investment is diversifying from manufacturing sectors such as automobiles, batteries, and electronics to food and bio industry, including CJ Food. In addition, interest in Korean culture is expanding into various fields such as K-Beauty, K-Food, and E-Sports, beyond K-POP.
DNH: Relations between South Korea and Hungary can be described as excellent in recent years. The new Hungarian government represents a very different political character from the previous one, but Korean companies and investments will certainly remain important for them as well. Where do you see the greatest opportunities for development in the coming years?
Park: The close relationship between the Republic of Korea and Hungary has developed primarily through long-standing mutual trust and economic cooperation. For that reason, I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow under the new Hungarian government. The greatest opportunities lie in moving beyond the traditional investment relationship toward a more innovation-driven partnership. Hungary has already established itself as an important manufacturing and logistics hub in Europe, while Korea is a global leader in advanced technologies. By combining these strengths, we can create new opportunities in areas such as electric mobility, battery technologies, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, robotics, biotechnology, medical technologies, and research and development. I also believe that cooperation between universities, research institutes, and innovative SMEs will become increasingly important. The next phase of our relationship should not be measured only by the size of investments, but also by the amount of knowledge, technology, and innovation that we create together. At the same time, Hungary’s role in European supply chains and Korea’s role in global technology networks make our countries natural partners in building more resilient and competitive industries for the future. Finally, I see the future of Korea-Hungary relations not simply as a relationship between investors and host country, but as a partnership between two innovative economies working together to create long-term value.
DNH: A number of major South Korean companies are present in Hungary, particularly in sectors linked to the automotive industry, battery manufacturing and technology. At the same time, these investments are sometimes accompanied by social, environmental, or labour-market debates. In your view, how can such debates be addressed and resolved?
Park: It is natural for citizens to ask questions about large industrial investments that may affect their communities, environment, or quality of life. This is not unique to Hungary; similar situations arise in Korea and in many other countries as well. The key is compliance, transparency, and communication. Korean companies understand that economic success cannot be achieved through profit alone. Companies must earn the trust of local communities by complying with local environmental and safety regulations, operating transparently, and maintaining open communication with residents and local authorities. Korean companies are well aware of the importance of these values.
Clear and predictable regulations from the Hungarian authorities are also very important. They can strengthen public confidence and create a more stable investment environment.
I also believe it is important to recognise the broader contribution that these investments make. Korean companies have created tens of thousands of jobs, contributed significantly to exports, supported local suppliers, and helped establish Hungary as one of Europe’s leading centres for advanced manufacturing and electric mobility.
The challenge is therefore not to choose between economic development on one hand, and the safety of residents and environmental protection on the other. The challenge is to achieve all of these goals simultaneously and harmoniously. I believe this is possible through constructive cooperation among government, industry, local authorities, and local communities. Korean companies are already engaged, or stand ready to engage, in that conversation.
DNH: While much attention is paid to South Korean companies investing in Hungary, there is also the question of what opportunities Hungarian businesses may have in South Korea. In which sectors do you see the greatest potential for Hungarian and Central European companies entering or expanding in the South Korean market?
Park: This is a very important question because a strong partnership should create opportunities in both directions. Many Koreans have become familiar with Hungary through investment and business cooperation, but there is still significant untapped potential for Hungarian companies in the Korean market.
One promising area is the food and agricultural sectors. Korean consumers increasingly value high-quality, safe, and distinctive imported food products. Hungary’s reputation for premium agricultural products, wine, processed foods, and speciality products creates attractive opportunities.
The health and life sciences sector is another area with strong potential. Hungary has a long tradition in pharmaceuticals, medical research, and healthcare innovation. Korean companies and institutions are increasingly interested in international cooperation in these fields.
Tourism, culture, and the creative industries should not be overlooked either. Koreans’ interest in Central Europe has grown significantly over the past decade, creating opportunities for Hungarian businesses in travel, hospitality, education, and cultural services.
The future of our economic relationship should be increasingly balanced and multidimensional, with more trade, more innovation partnerships, and more Hungarian success stories in Korea, just as we have seen Korean success stories in Hungary.
DNH: Over the past decades, South Korea has written one of the world’s most successful modernisation stories: it has developed from a poor, war-torn country into a technological, cultural and economic powerhouse. In your opinion, what is the South Korean experience from which Hungary could learn the most today?
Park: Above all, I believe Korea achieved its economic transformation through hard work, education, and openness to the global market. Moreover, these achievements have demonstrated that outstanding talent, technological innovation, and international partnerships can be the true driving forces of growth.
Hungary is a leading country in science, having produced as many as 13 Nobel laureates in the sciences, and has established itself as a core hub of the European economy. Although our histories and cultures are different, Korea and Hungary share much in common in this regard. I believe Hungary, like Korea, will continue to demonstrate that economic success is entirely achievable even without vast natural resources.
DNH: Korean Day, which will be held this weekend, is one of the most important Korean cultural events in Hungary. What are you planning for this year’s event, what programmes can visitors expect, and what is the main message of the event?
Park: Korea Day is being held for the second time, while KoreaON is an annual festival now celebrating its seventh edition. Visitors will have the chance to experience many different aspects of Korean culture through hands-on activities such as Korean calligraphy, Minhwa folk painting, and Jogakbo patchwork. In our K-Beauty section, visitors can also try Korean cosmetics, many of which have recently become available in Hungary and are gaining popularity among local consumers. Korean company booths will also offer visitors an opportunity to learn more about Korean products and brands. Throughout the two-day festival, our outdoor stage will feature a wide variety of performances and demonstrations every hour, including traditional dance, K-pop performances, and Korean cooking shows. Around the stage, visitors can also enjoy Korean street food at the K-Food booths.
The central message of this year’s event is to present the many different facets of Korea, spanning culture, arts, economy, and industry, and to showcase the country’s remarkable development across these fields. At the same time, the festival brings together the Korean Cultural Centre, Korean companies, restaurants, and local communities, highlighting the contributions each is making in their respective fields.
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DNH: Korean culture — including K-pop, films, series, gastronomy and traditional arts — is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. How do you see the reception of Korean culture in Hungary?
Park: Hungary holds a special place in the history of the Korean Wave in Europe. It was the first European country to broadcast the famous Korean drama “Jewel in the Palace,” or “Dae Jang Geum,” which became a huge success not only in Korea but around the world. In many ways, Hungary was one of the earliest gateways for Korean culture in Europe. Today, interest in Korea goes far beyond K-pop and television dramas. We see growing enthusiasm for Korean food, beauty products, literature, jazz, and many other cultural fields. This cultural interest often leads to greater interest in Korean products and brands as well.
There are now more than twenty Korean restaurants in Budapest, and Korean cosmetics can easily be found in stores such as DM and Rossmann. Behind this success is the continuous effort to introduce Korean culture to Hungarian audiences. The Korean Cultural Center in Budapest, one of the largest Korean cultural centers in Europe, has played an important role in this process through a wide range of cultural and educational programs. More recently, local fan communities and companies that actively engage with Hallyu have also contributed to this momentum. For these reasons, I believe the popularity of Korean culture in Hungary will continue to grow in the years ahead.
DNH: What trends do you currently see in tourism between the two countries? Are more Korean tourists coming to Hungary, and how interested are Hungarians in South Korea as a destination?
Park: Tourism between Korea and Hungary has been growing steadily year after year. One important factor is the increase in business travel driven by Korean companies operating in Hungary. In addition, the daily direct flights operated by Korean Air and Asiana Airlines have made travel between the two countries much more convenient. Hungary is also located in the heart of Europe, making it a popular destination for Korean travelers exploring Central Europe. Every year, around 200,000 Korean visitors come to Hungary, making it one of the most visited countries in the region for Korean tourists.
At the same time, more and more Hungarians are choosing Korea as a travel destination. The growing popularity of K-pop, Korean dramas, beauty products, and Korean cuisine has inspired many people to experience the country firsthand. Another notable trend is that visitors are increasingly exploring destinations beyond Seoul and Busan. Places such as Gyeongju, Sokcho, and Jeonju are becoming more popular among international travelers who are interested in Korea’s history, nature, and regional culture.
DNH: What opportunities do you see in the field of education and scientific cooperation between South Korea and Hungary? Are there any programs that are particularly important for young people, university students or researchers?
Park: Over the years, bilateral cooperation in education has expanded significantly. An increasing number of Hungarian students are studying in Korea, while Korean students are also discovering the academic and cultural opportunities that Hungary offers. These exchanges create not only academic knowledge, but also lasting personal and professional networks that often continue throughout people’s careers.
One particularly important initiative is Korea’s Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program, which enables talented Hungarian students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and research studies at leading Korean universities. Many former scholarship recipients have gone on to become professionals who contribute to strengthening relations between our two countries.
At the university level, I see considerable potential for expanding joint degree program, researcher exchanges, and cooperation in areas that are increasingly important for both countries, including artificial intelligence, engineering, battery technologies, biotechnology, medical sciences, and digital innovation. Scientific cooperation is becoming especially relevant because Korea and Hungary are both seeking to strengthen their competitiveness in high-value-added industries. The next phase of our partnership should involve not only manufacturing and investment, but also joint research, innovation, and technology development. I would also welcome closer cooperation between Korean companies operating in Hungary and Hungarian universities and vocational institutions. Such partnerships can help develop the highly skilled workforce needed for the industries of the future while creating new opportunities for young people in Hungary.
Particularly noteworthy is the growing interest in Korean studies and the Korean language in Hungary. The Department of Korean Studies was opened in 2008 at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, and the King Sejong Institute was established in 2021 to offer Korean language education programs. In 2023, the Department of Korean Studies was also opened at Károli Gáspár University (KRE), reflecting the continued expansion of this interest.
DNH: Korean gastronomy is becoming increasingly well-known and popular around the world. Is there a Korean dish you would particularly recommend to the Hungarian public, and do you have a favorite Hungarian dish?
Park: Korean dishes such as kimchi, bulgogi, japchae, gimbap, and tteokbokki are already quite well known internationally. However, if I were to recommend one dish that many Hungarians may not have tried yet, it would be Sundae Gukbap. Sundae Gukbap is a hearty soup made with Korean blood sausage and pork, served in a rich broth. Interestingly, it shares some similarities with the Hungarian dish hurka. Both dishes make use of different parts of the pig and originate from traditional pig-slaughtering cultures. Because of this shared culinary tradition, I believe many Hungarians would find Sundae Gukbap both familiar and enjoyable. As for Hungarian cuisine, I personally enjoy hurka, goulash, and halászlé. Hungarian food actually shares several similarities with Korean cuisine: both feature many soup-based dishes and make generous use of garlic and peppers, which makes Hungarian food very appealing to Korean tastes as well. /End/
