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"EU Ambassador to Korea Encourages “Students, Step into the World” | |||
WRITER | 대외홍보센터 | WRITE DAY | 2025-06-20 |
COUNT | 440 |
"EU Ambassador to Korea Encourages “Students, Step into the World” | |||||
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대외홍보센터 | ![]() |
2025-06-20 | ![]() |
440 |
Pukyong National University Hosts Special Lecture by EU Ambassador to Korea
? June 10, on the theme “EU Korea Together in Challenging Times”
Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) hosted a special lecture by Maria Castillo Fernandez, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the Republic of Korea, on the morning of June 10 at the Pukyong Convention Hall.
Ambassador Castillo Fernandez delivered a lecture to Pukyong National University undergraduate and graduate students under the theme “EU Korea Together in Challenging Times.”
A Spanish national, Ambassador Castillo Fernandez served as EU headquarters’ Korea Desk Officer from 2000 to 2005, and as Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Korea from 2005 to 2008. In 2008, she was awarded the Spanish Civil Order of Merit for her contributions to strengthening EU?Korea relations. She later served as EU Ambassador to Malaysia and has been serving as EU Ambassador to Korea since September 2020.
Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez emphasized during the lecture, “The EU is a trustworthy partner for Korea, sharing common values and mutual confidence.” She stated that “Based on democracy, human rights, and a rules-based international order centered on the United Nations, the EU and Korea are working closely in various fields such as global and regional security, trade and investment, science and technology, climate change, and the environment.”
She also discussed the growing importance of bilateral cooperation and explained the role of the EU Delegation in advancing the EU?Korea strategic partnership.
Encouraging PKNU students in attendance, Ambassador Castillo Fernandez said, “I strongly recommend studying abroad, as it can become a turning point in your life. In particular, I encourage you to explore the world through studying in the EU, where diversity is respected.”
Meanwhile, Pukyong National University’s Office of International Affairs organized the event to provide students with an opportunity to engage directly with the EU Ambassador to Korea, while also supporting student mobility to EU countries and promoting joint programs with European universities.
As of 2025, a total of 83 Pukyong National University students have been or are scheduled to be dispatched to EU member states as exchange students―50 currently studying abroad and 33 preparing for departure. Additionally, 36 students from EU member countries have studied or are scheduled to study at PKNU―22 currently enrolled and 14 expected to arrive.
<Pukyong Today>