The South Korean Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mongolia, Mr. U Sung gave interview to News.mn.

-Before coming to Mongolia where have you worked?

-Since becoming a diplomat, this is my sixth appointment in a foreign country. I started my diplomat career in Chicago. Later, I worked in India, Washington, Indonesia, and Ottawa. It has been five months since I came to Mongolia as the South Korean Ambassador.

-It has not been long, since you came to Mongolia. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of diplomatic relation between Mongolia and South Korea. Could you mention some of the things that have taken place?

-The relations between our two countries have developed so rapidly over the last 25 years. The Presidents of two countries have made official visit in each other’s countries. Foreign trade between Mongolia and South Korea has reached USD 370 million, which is 100 times more than 25 years ago. There are, currently, 30,000 Mongolian citizens living in South Korea, this means our country has the largest number of resident Mongolians. Also, there are also about 3000 Korean citizens living in Mongolia.

-What are you planning to work on, in order to deepen the relationship between Mongolia and South Korea?

-In the future, we will pay attention to make our relationship as tangible as possible, with real end-results, especially in the economical and culture sectors. Overseas Development Aid (ODA) is the international cooperation organization of South Korea. We have provided USD 300 million worth of economic aid to Mongolia via KOICA. Also, we would like to develop the culture sector, by increasing the number of culture events, and public and contact between our people in order to introduce South Korean culture to Mongolians. Therefore, we are working to establish a South Korean Culture Center on Seoul Street.

I am personally paying a lot of attention to the Doctor Lee Te Jun Memorable Park in Zaisan. Doctor Lee Te Jun was one of the people who were active in the Mongolian independence campaign. He also and shared his medical skills with Mongolians. We are currently undertaking repair works at this symbolic park of Mongolian and South Korean friendship. Next year, many Mongolians, Koreans, and many other tourists will be able to visit this park.

-What kind of interests do South Korean companies have in Mongolia?

-South Korean companies would like to work primarily in the infrastructure and construction sectors. These sectors are more important than any others. I think that many South Korean companies will participate in Mongolian Governmental infrastructure tenders.

-Many examples of South Korean best-practice are currently being used in Mongolia. One of them has been the “U-Money” bus pass. What opinions do you have about the application of South Korean technology in Mongolia?

-The smart card service was launched in Mongolia in July 2015. South Korean information technology has reached a high level. We will work to improve Mongolians skills in IT.

-Mongolians are very keen to make short trips to South Korea. What kind of changes will be made to visa requirements?

-Since coming to Mongolia, the thing I have heard most is about visas. We introduced new simplified visa requirements, which took effect from April 2015. In connection with this change, we have supplied 32,000 visas, which have resulted in a 60% increase of Mongolian visitors to South Korea. In connection with this change, the number of visas supplied and visa applicants have increased sharply. An issue of concern to our Embassy, the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Mongolian Embassy in South Korea is that of illegal immigrants. This problem is hindering the progress of visa policy.

-What do you think about the Korean Peninsula issue?

-Mongolia has good long-term direct relations with North Korea. Therefore, we can say for sure that Mongolia can be a potential intermediary between South Korea and North Korea. I would like to ask for Mongolia to continue to provide support developments between South Korea and North Korea as it has been doing.