“Korea and Greece share deep “koina” (Greek word for commonalities),” the South Korean Ambassador to Greece, Ju-seong Lim, told TΟ ΒΗΜΑ International Edition during our 14th episode of “The Ambassadors Series.”
Wearing his traditional Korean garb called hanbok, Mr. Ju-seong Lim warmly invited us into his residence in Athens, where he shared his views on an array of issues, ranging from the close ties he was surprised to find out between the Greeks and Koreans to the business opportunities that could be explored between the two nations.
“Greece is a fascinating country,” the ambassador notes, mentioning the pride in their local culture, food, costumes, song and dances, “their products, and their sceneries,” referring to different parts of Greece he had visited since taking up his post in 2024.
After recounting a funny story about a cultural shock he experienced when invited to eat dinner late at night, he says he finally adapted. “They served dessert at midnight without coffee,” he remembers, astonished. But he finally adjusted to “Greek time”. “After traveling to the islands, I immersed myself in the rhythm of island life in summer. That helped me to adjust myself a little bit better to the Greek clock. Now I manage the Korean clock and Greek clock at the same time,” he quipped.
His tone changes to a more sombre and solemn one when talking about the Korean War and the participation of Greek forces. “The friendship between Korea and Greece was written in blood during the Korean War. 1950, June, when the Korean War broke out…Greece sent more than 5,000 during the war and 5,000 soldiers after the war for the stabilization…they sent their sons to Korea to help us. We will never forget that sacrifice.”
On the issue of bilateral trade, the ambassador says that while Korea is the largest regarding Greek exporters in Asia, more than China and Japan, he believes more can be done. He stressed that the two countries can increase the volume and explore opportunities in other sectors. Mr. Ju-seong Lim puts forward an initiative he calls “the golden trilateral triangle”. “I have something in mind. We call it the trilateral golden triangle.”
“It’s a Greek market, Korean technology, and US finance in shipbuilding. We will build ships here in Greece with these three elements. It’s a very good example of synergies.”
He describes the trade relationship as more transactional, mostly on ships and energy, something he says he would like to change.
“During my mission here in Greece, I’d like to change it and develop it into more investment-induced relationship,” he underlines.
Watch the full interview on tovima.com YouTube channel to see what the South Korean Ambassador has to say about initiatives to expose Greek youth to Korean culture and vice versa, as well as how the Korean youth see Greeks.
Follow ΤΟ ΒΗΜΑ International and “The Ambassadors Series” to keep informed on the global stage of diplomacy and geopolitics from an insider’s perspective.
