Last week I paid a short visit back to the UK to take part in the annual meeting of Britain’s Ambassadors. It’s known as the FCO Leadership Conference because we don’t just discuss the major policy challenges but also our role in leading the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and our network of Embassies around the world. We heard from the Foreign Secretary about his priorities for the coming year – … Read more »FCO Leadership Conference
Heroes of Korea
One of the greatest privileges I have in this job is being able to meet some of the truly inspiring men who risked their lives fighting for freedom and democracy in the Korean War. Every year, British veterans of the conflict fly out with family members for a series of events to remember fallen comrades, honour their sacrifice and see for themselves the remarkable country that they fought to protect. … Read more »Heroes of Korea
Working together for Global Security
On 2 April, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). This is the culmination of years of effort. The significance cannot be overstated. This is the first legally-binding global commitment to control arms exports and should be welcomed in the UK, Korea and all over the world. Not only will it save lives and help combat terrorism, the agreement will also help prevent violations … Read more »Working together for Global Security
Working Together for Economic Prosperity
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, delivered his Budget statement this week. These are still challenging times for the UK economy. But our underlying strengths across a broad spectrum of industries, the measures we are putting in place and the new opportunities for partnership do give cause for optimism. In his statement, the Chancellor announced plans to cut the rate of Corporation Tax by a further 1% to 20% … Read more »Working Together for Economic Prosperity
Minds Together, Change Together
To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, Embassy staff met respresentative of Ecogender, one of the Korea’s influential women’s rights NGOs. Here, they write about their work and achievements.
Korea charting course to low carbon high growth economy
Climate change is a big part of my work at the Embassy and we’ve built a great partnership with South Korea over the last few years. In the UK we have a target to reduce our carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 against 1990 levels. That’s a huge challenge and we face major choices about how best to do this. So we built the 2050 Pathways Analysis to help policymakers … Read more »Korea charting course to low carbon high growth economy
The UK’s Autumn Statement – hard times are still with us, but some rays of sunshine through the clouds
On Wednesday last week, the UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, gave his annual Autumn Statement. The title ‘Autumn Statement’ doesn’t really confer the importance of this event. The Statement sets out the fiscal and budgetary direction for UK spending and is closely watched by other governments, financial institutions and international organisations. The overall picture for the UK economy is still challenging. But the Autumn Statement sets out a package … Read more »The UK’s Autumn Statement – hard times are still with us, but some rays of sunshine through the clouds
Race to the Blue House
The build up to Korea’s Presidential election has been one of the burning issues since I started work as Ambassador a year ago and the buzz is now reaching its peak. People have told me time and time again that Korean politics is so dynamic that a day here during an election period is the equivalent of a month in the UK. Now I’m totally convinced. With less than a … Read more »Race to the Blue House
Autumn in Korea
After I arrived in Seoul a year ago I heard from many people, Korean and foreigners, that autumn was the best season here. I discovered why during a short break with my family last week. After a gruelling drive south in the rain we spent a wonderful day discovering Gyeongju and the surrounding area. We managed to get ahead of the crowds at the Bunhwangsa temple and so experienced it … Read more »Autumn in Korea
Chevening Scholars Human Network I experienced
Mr Sehyuk Oh, the first Saetormin (North Korean new-settler) recipient of an FCO Chevening Scholarship wrote this guest blog for the British Embassy in Seoul. He completed a master’s degree in globalisation and development at the University of Sheffield and recently returned to South Korea. For those who are interested in studying in the UK, the FCO’s Chevening scholarship scheme is now open for applications. Find out more information about … Read more »Chevening Scholars Human Network I experienced