On Oct. 7, Philip S. Goldberg, the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, visited POSTECH. He discussed with President Seong Geun Kim ways to enhance cooperation between South Korea and the United States, including through higher education. Afterward, he held a town hall meeting at the Auditorium of the POSCO International Center for POSTECH members, such as undergraduate students, graduate students, and staff. About 150 students participated in the town hall meeting, which served as a platform for POSTECH members to communicate and interact with the U.S. Ambassador to Korea. Attendees discussed the cooperative relationship between the two countries and ways to advance in education and research.
Philip S. Goldberg first introduced his diplomatic career and experiences. His unique life and career, having served in diplomatic missions on every continent except Australia and Antarctica, left a deep impression on the audience. He emphasized that he could continuously secure new jobs through his experiences in the foreign services and the State Department. Regarding his role as the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, he stated, “It has been a wonderful career, and nothing has been as satisfying and as great an honor as being ambassador here in the Republic of Korea.”
He then explained the significance of the alliance between Korea and the United States, stating, “The relationship, the alliance between our two countries is extraordinary.” He remarked that the relationship between the United States and Korea, which began in the 1880s, has undergone tremendous development since the end of the Korean War. He introduced the two places he visited that day, Marine Corps Installations (MCI) Camp Mujuk and POSCO, and explained that these locations represent the relationship between the two countries. He stated that MCI Camp Mujuk represents the military relationship between the two countries, while POSCO exemplifies the challenges of the 21st century.
He visited POSCO to see a plant that produces artificial graphite. He noted that graphite, essential to electric vehicle battery production, is an important industry contributing to the development of both countries. He also highlighted that thanks to the significant capital investment by Korean companies in the United States, both countries are experiencing positive effects such as job creation and economic development.
Ambassador Goldberg also pointed out that Yoon Suk-yeol, the President of Korea made a state visit to the United States last year to commemorate the 71-year alliance. He explained that the Washington Declaration, which emerged from that visit, played an important role in shaping the secure relationship between Korea and U.S. He also mentioned the relationship with Japan, stating that the normalization of ties with Japan, made possible by Yoon Suk-yeol’s brave political decision last year, was a highly significant event. He added that it has strengthened cooperation between Korea, the United States, and Japan. Finishing the speech, the ambassador emphasized the importance of the alliance and cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted that collaboration in science and technology would lead both nations to a bright future.
After his speech, there was a Q&A session where participants could ask the U.S. Ambassador questions. The students had the opportunity to discuss various topics with him, including exchange student programs, U.S. economic policies, and freedom of expression.
