India-Korea Golf Tournament to commemorate 70 years of existence of Korean community, success of Korean Cos. in India

NEW DELHI: India is all set to play host to the “70 Years of Korean History in India Golf Tournament” (인도 한인 70주년 기념 골프대회), to commemorate 70 years of existence of Korean community, and success of Korean corporate world in India. Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India His Excellency Chang Jae-bok has consented to participate in this grand event.

To be organised in Gurugram/Delhi NCR on March 23 (Saturday), it is going to be the first ever such event to create awareness, and also to remind countrymen of India and Korea about the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations that started in 1954 when first lot of Korean nationals landed in India. The number of Korean nationals in India has now grown to over 17,000.

The “70 Years of Korean History in India Golf Tournament” is being co-organized by the Asian Community News (ACN) Network and the United Korean Community Association in India (also known as Federation of Korean Associations in India) with the support of Embassy of the Republic of Korea, New Delhi to celebrate the presence of Korean nationals and success of Korean companies in India during the last 70 years.

As PARK Euy Don, Chairman, United Korean Community Association in India puts it, “The first set of Korean people landed in India in 1954 were the 88 prisoners of war (POWs) after the South-North Korea war ended (1950-53). They chose to settle down in the 3rd country India rather than in South Korea and North Korea. In the beginning, the life for these Koreans was very tough and bitter as these newcomers struggled hard to cope with the new terrain, culture and atmosphere but they not only successfully survived but also exceled in this land of generosity. Now South Korean companies are known for their high-quality products and services and their number is also growing fast beyond 700 in India. ”

The United Korean Community Association in India is the apex body that represents all 10 regional Korean associations spread across the country representing about 17,000 Korean expats living and working in India.

Mr. Park who is also Vice President of Korean Chamber of Commerce in India (KOCHAM), said the “70 Years of Korean History in India Golf Tournament” will not only mark the successful glorious existence of Korean community in India which has grown beyond 17,000 it also acknowledges their 70 years of patient and persistent efforts in India.

Related article: Writing & Editing Committee formed to publish book: 70 Years of Korean History in India

The Federation of Korean Associations in India (FKAI) has also decided to publish a book titled “70 Years of Korean History in India”, which is the first-ever initiative in India to pen down and put on record the facts about the advent of Korean nationals, and industries into India about 70 years back, and the evolution of the Korean community as well as enormous growth of Korean art and culture in contemporary times here.

“During the 70 Years of Korean History in India Golf Tournament we would request the Indian and Korean community to support the publication of the book by sponsoring the publication with money. The names of the individuals or companies who support publication of the book would be mentioned in the book to acknowledge their contribution,” Mr. Park added.

Sanjeev K Ahuja, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Asian Community News Network (ACN Network) said, “   This one-day event would be followed by an award ceremony and networking dinner the same evening. The event offers an excellent opportunity for Indian industry leaders to interact closely with top Korean counterparts who are likely to join the event from companies like Hyundai, SAMSUNG, LG, KIA, POSCO, and others etc. Also the representatives of the top Korean institutions KOTRA, KITA, KOCHAM, KIEP, KCCI, KOSME, KOSMA, OKTA, etc are likely to participate”