Author: Matthew Piljoo Jeon
KSEA, in cooperation with the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (KOFST; Korean: 한국과학기술단체총연합회), continues to forge a brighter future by fostering meetings of young scientists and technologists both domestically and internationally.
In 2022, KOFST hosted YGF and YPF in Korea – the first time since 2019 due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. The Young Generation Forum (YGF; Korean: 한민족청년과학기술도포럼) and Young Professional Forum (YPF; Korean: 차세대과학기술리더포럼) brought together a total of 75 overseas and 26 domestic Korean scientists at Hotel Samjung in Seoul, Korea from August 1st to 5th to build global mutual networks between overseas Korean young scientists and technologists and their counterparts. Among them, 15 YGF and 4 YPF participants were delegated by KSEA to represent the United States, with additional representatives hailing from countries such as Germany, France, Japan, Canada, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Korea.
YGF/YPF events kicked off with an opening ceremony hosted by KOFST. This was followed by a cultural exchange session named “Country Booth”, wherein YGF participants showcased the culture of their respective countries through food and activities. Concurrently, the “Fame Lab” segment allowed YPF participants to highlight their professional fields and research activities. Over the next two days, participants from both the YGF and YPF engaged in group discussions and presented their results on achieving sustainable development goals. These discussions encompassed a range of topics pertinent to future scientific and technological developments, such as the elimination of poverty, the health and well-being of individuals of all ages, quality STEM education, decent work and economic growth, and climate action.
After group discussions, the YGF head representatives of each country presented on their respective national scientific and technological advancements, which began with Matthew Jeon introducing the robust scientific and immigrant culture of the United States. Participants also had an opportunity to network with past YGF/YPF participants over a table discussion and dinner, during which the alumni shared how global scientific interactions shaped their career paths.
On the third day, participants visited the Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and the Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) in Daejeon, during which the participants were able to engage in various technological developments within South Korea. One of such was learning about the indigenous development process of the KSLV-II “Nuri” space launch vehicle, which eventually resulted in a successful launch in May 2023. Participants also visited KAERI’s High-Flux Advanced Neutron Application Reactor, a significant research resource for analyzing material structure and developing new materials.
The subsequent day involved cultural exploration for YGF/YPF participants, who visited the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Paju. This location is emblematic of the 70-year division of the Korean peninsula, a reality that persists to this day. The experience at the Imjingak Park within the DMZ, which included a gondola ride across the Imjin River, underscored the ongoing imperative for peace efforts.
Upon returning to Seoul, participants visited the National Museum of Korea, where they learned to engrave their names on seals. Handcrafted using a traditional Korean engraving technique on jade, these seals became special mementos for participants, connecting them to their cultural heritage. Participants also had a special visit to Hybe Insight, the headquarters and museum of leading K-Pop group BTS. In a special guided exhibition by Hybe, participants engaged in various interactive media, such as trying dance moves, watching a 360-degree view of K-Pop stages in an immersive room, and interactive musical games.
At the conclusion of YGF/YPF 2022 on Friday morning, participants shared a heartfelt goodbye, carrying with them an unforgettable shared experience between future scientific leaders. These forums are designed to promote active interaction between young Korean scientists and technologists residing abroad and those within Korea. These initiatives contribute to global science and technology exchanges and cooperation, promoting a vision of mutual growth and development in the scientific community.
KSEA e-Letters 