Jun Han would like to return to the Kingdom as a visitor. (SG photo by Fouzia Khan) THE outgoing Korean Consul General Dal-Jun Han, who is at the end of his diplomatic tenure in Jeddah, will be leaving the Kingdom soon but expressed his admiration for the Saudi way of life before leaving. He told Saudi Gazette that he will make an effort to introduce Saudi culture and traditions back home in Korea. “In my three years here, I learned a lot about Saudi Arabia, its culture and people, which many people in Korea don't know about. Already many of my friends have asked me about Saudi Arabia, so now I have the opportunity to tell them about it,” said Han. “For that, I have collected some material like DVDs and books and if I get the opportunity, I will also be looking to give lectures on the Kingdom's traditions to ordinary Koreans.” Dal-Jun Han was appointed Consul General in Jeddah on May 23, 2008, on his seventh posting as the head of a diplomatic mission. He also spent a year in Riyadh. “It is our policy not to extend the term of a posting after its completion until and unless there is a special reason,” he explained. “If my government gives me the opportunity to work for another three years as the CG in Jeddah I would love to stay back!” Han spoke about his experience here and said that in the past three years he managed to meet with a number of communities, charities, authorities, professors, businessmen, diplomats and ordinary Saudi people. “I was always very busy meeting with different societies in Jeddah and that really enhanced my experience of living here. I learned about Arab culture, Islamic religion and history...I learned a lot of things in Saudi Arabia,” he remarked. He added that he not only enjoyed staying in Jeddah but also traveling and sightseeing in Taif, Jizan, Abha and Madain Saleh, to name a few places. “Madain Saleh is very beautiful and a wonderful place; the ruins are really fascinating. I really want to know more about this place – it's a great historical place to see and learn about the region's history. Taif is also a beautiful resort, offering fresh air and cool temperatures away from the hustle and bustle of Jeddah and Jizan's beaches are great,” Han said. He also shared his experience of working in such closeness with the Korean community in Jeddah. “From 1998 to 2008 – almost 10 years – the Korean consulate was closed, so during that time the Korean community felt very isolated,” he explained. “After the consulate reopened and I came here as CG, the community became very close to their own government – they warmly welcomed me and were very happy. They could approach me at any time as well as the Ambassador and other consulate officers and we devoted ourselves to their welfare and worked hard for them. We are trying to create the atmosphere for them to feel closer to their homeland and government.” He said that he is really happy that the Korean community, who come to about 700 in Jeddah, are living closely to each other and experiencing no difficulties with the Saudi culture, customs, traditions and weather, which are very different from Korea. “I am happy for the Korean community, that they are working hard and have adjusted well here in Saudi Arabia, enjoying themselves and establishing great links with Saudi people and helping in enhancing the relationship of the two countries. My only message for them is to help Saudis, and cooperate with them and each other; share their problems and ensure that this relationship becomes stronger. I hope they will help in strengthening the relationship between the two countries,” he stated. While sharing his memories, Han said that he had learned many social activities while living in Saudi Arabia, especially scuba diving, which he enjoyed every weekend in the Red Sea, with its “spectacular coral, sea life and reefs”. “In 2009, a Korean naval ship visited Jeddah, after more than 10 years. I can't forget that day because the whole Korean community visited the ship and presented various cultural programs like Korean martial art forms, Korean dances and other programs on the deck to entertain their Saudi brethren. They even organized a special reception and invited many Saudi dignitaries. It was a very memorable day!” he reminisced. Han is an avid fan of Saudi food. “I really enjoy Arabian cuisine, especially Mandi, Kabsa and other traditional dishes,” he said. “There are many special moments which I will remember about Jeddah, but one is about a Saudi wedding which I attended, which was really a very special moment for me. It was a first for me and the event continued until very late at night. All the women wore abayas so it was very different from Korean weddings which are mixed gatherings.” He added that the two countries enjoy a healthy relationship. “There is very close relationship between Korea and Saudi Arabia. During my tenure, many trade delegation, special envoys and businessmen visited Saudi Arabia, which was a concerted effort to enhance the relationship,” he explained. Korea imports crude oil from Saudi Arabia and exports electronic products automobiles and other technological and industrial necessities. Before coming to Saudi Arabia, Han was posted in Malaysia and prior to that, in Brazil and the Netherlands. He has served in the diplomatic service for 30 years. “I enjoy diplomacy,” he explained. “When I was a student, I learned about the world and world history and realized that I was very interested in learning about other cultures, people and communities. I studied international relationships and diplomacy at an academic level so I decided to become a diplomat and serve my country and people. Diplomacy is very useful in promoting relationships, solving the problems of others and trying to work in harmony with other countries. In many ways, a diplomat helps in the enhancement of a better society and economy of the country.” Han also hails from a military background, training for which was compulsory for all men in Korea. “It was very hard training but also compulsory. I enjoyed it, all the jumping from heights, and rangers course training – it was just like some English film!” he laughed. “I used to be very tough but now I can't do such hard activity anymore,” he said. He is very sad at leaving the country and the many friends he has made here. “I will miss them and will visit them in future, as a visitor. I thank everyone who has supported me during my tenure,” he said.
