Seoul Circuit: 2025 Events
Dive into Seoul Circuit: A series of exclusive, engaging gatherings designed for the Korea Pro community, connecting you with key opinion leaders, journalists, and experts on South Korean affairs.
Upcoming Events in 2025:
Rethinking Korea: Beyond the Washington Consensus
Join Jeffrey Robertson and Mason Richey and for a critical discussion on the challenges and limitations of mainstream “Washington blob” analysis of the Korean Peninsula. This timely event will examine how institutional biases, geographic distance, and groupthink shape analysis and what details are missed by those both in and out of Korea. The conversation will also explore why effective analysis of South and North Korea remains inherently complex, regardless of location or expertise.
This event provides a unique opportunity to rethink the narratives that dominate policy discussions on Korea, informed by insights from two experts deeply engaged with both academic and practical dimensions of regional affairs.
Venue: Noksapyeong, Seoul
Date & Time: Thursday, January 16, 18.30 - 20.30
This event provides a unique opportunity to rethink the narratives that dominate policy discussions on Korea, informed by insights from two experts deeply engaged with both academic and practical dimensions of regional affairs.
Venue: Noksapyeong, Seoul
Date & Time: Thursday, January 16, 18.30 - 20.30
Breaking Barriers: Legal and Legislative Hurdles to Immigration Reform in South Korea
This event will examine the structural and legal barriers hindering South Korea's immigration reform, with a focus on attracting foreign talent to Seoul. Congresswoman Jasmine Lee will discuss the social, political, and legislative challenges, while Kristen Yeji Lee will analyze the legal framework and share insights from her practice, including comparative perspectives and real-world cases.
Join us for an insightful discussion on South Korea's immigration reform and its critical role in attracting international talent, featuring expert insights on policy challenges and practical solutions.
Venue: TBD
Date & Time: Thursday, February 6, 18.30 - 20.30
Join us for an insightful discussion on South Korea's immigration reform and its critical role in attracting international talent, featuring expert insights on policy challenges and practical solutions.
Venue: TBD
Date & Time: Thursday, February 6, 18.30 - 20.30
Our Previous Events:
Dinner with Ambassador Maria Castillo-Fernandez
Korea Pro is honored to welcome Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, as an esteemed speaker for our Seoul Circuit series. Ambassador Fernandez has been a key figure in strengthening EU-ROK relations since her appointment in 2020. With over 25 years of experience in international diplomacy, she has been instrumental in advancing EU-ROK relations during a pivotal period of global challenges.
As the EU and South Korea build on over 60 years of cooperation, Ambassador Fernandez will share her insights into the evolving strategic partnership between the EU and the ROK, focusing on key areas such as security, trade, and other major areas such as green and digital transitions.
Join us for an engaging discussion on the evolving EU-ROK relationship and its global significance.
Venue: Noksapyeong, Seoul
Date & Time: Thursday, November 28, 18.30 - 20.30
As the EU and South Korea build on over 60 years of cooperation, Ambassador Fernandez will share her insights into the evolving strategic partnership between the EU and the ROK, focusing on key areas such as security, trade, and other major areas such as green and digital transitions.
Join us for an engaging discussion on the evolving EU-ROK relationship and its global significance.
Venue: Noksapyeong, Seoul
Date & Time: Thursday, November 28, 18.30 - 20.30
Post-U.S. Election: Strategic Implications for ROK-U.S. Relations
Korea Pro is pleased to host a timely discussion analyzing the potential impacts of the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election on ROK-U.S. relations, with a focus on foreign, security and economic policies.
The speakers will examine key strategic issues likely to evolve following the election, including trade policies and tariffs, economic security and the Indo-Pacific Strategy, the future of the U.S. Forces Korea on the peninsula, ongoing debates around South Korea's nuclear armament, as well as broader implications for ROK-U.S.-Japan trilateral relations and regional security dynamics.
Venue: Gugi-dong, Seoul
Date & Time: Thursday, November 7, 18.30 - 20.30
Cracking the code: Plugging the holes in South Korea’s cybersecurity
South Korea has been rocked by several high-profile data breaches this year, exposing the vulnerabilities of the networks protecting the country’s most sensitive information.
But these issues are far from new as the gaps in South Korea’s unique digital infrastructure have been exposed time and again. Seoul’s reliance on cybersecurity practices tailored to its systems may offer some degree of “security through obscurity,” but a combination of human failures and outdated processes still creates openings for adversaries.
Faced with persistent and constantly evolving threats from state actors like North Korea and China, South Korea’s new cybersecurity approach emphasizes the need to go on the offensive, but a bigger challenge lies in bringing the government and private sector together to close the gaps.
To explore the threats facing South Korea’s cybersecurity and solutions to counter them, Korea Pro invites you to an exclusive discussion with experts on cybersecurity.
Venue: Gugi-dong, Seoul
Date & Time: Sept 25, 18.30 - 20.30
But these issues are far from new as the gaps in South Korea’s unique digital infrastructure have been exposed time and again. Seoul’s reliance on cybersecurity practices tailored to its systems may offer some degree of “security through obscurity,” but a combination of human failures and outdated processes still creates openings for adversaries.
Faced with persistent and constantly evolving threats from state actors like North Korea and China, South Korea’s new cybersecurity approach emphasizes the need to go on the offensive, but a bigger challenge lies in bringing the government and private sector together to close the gaps.
To explore the threats facing South Korea’s cybersecurity and solutions to counter them, Korea Pro invites you to an exclusive discussion with experts on cybersecurity.
Venue: Gugi-dong, Seoul
Date & Time: Sept 25, 18.30 - 20.30
Dinner with Mr. Lee Jun Seok, Member of the 22nd National Assembly
Korea Pro is honored to welcome Mr. Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform Party and a lawmaker in South Korea’s 22nd National Assembly, to our Seoul Circuit series. Mr. Lee entered the political arena in 2011 at age 26 and quickly rose to prominence. He was instrumental in President Yoon Suk-yeol’s election campaign and served as the ruling People Power Party’s chairman from June 2021 to July 2022. After leaving the ruling party, Mr. Lee founded the New Reform Party, aiming to establish a party that advances "social conservatism, conservative reforms and a rational alternative platform."
Known for his advocacy of generational change, fair competition and technological innovation in governance, Assemblyman Lee will offer a frank assessment of South Korea’s current political scene and its challenges. He will discuss the evolving definition of South Korean conservatism and share his views on the country’s most pressing issues.
Join us for a special dinner discussion, where you’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with one of South Korea’s most dynamic political figures as we explore the country’s future direction.
Venue: Noksapyeong, Seoul
Date & Time: Sept 10, 18.30 - 20.30
Understanding the Problems and Pressures in South Korea's Education System
Experts often highlight the significant role of educational pressure in South Korea as a major factor contributing to the country's low birth rate. The speakers, who have extensive experience as both consumers and former professionals within the South Korean education industry, will examine the structure of the Korean public and private education systems, identify inherent problems, and discuss their impact on South Korea's youth, as well as the considerable financial strain they impose on parents.
The discussion will extend to how the widely-held perception of education as a zero-sum competition shapes and affects Korean adults and the job market, with many jobs and the preparation required for job interviews in Korea often mirroring the studying habits developed during their formative years, as well as potential solutions. Join the discussion.
Venue: Sanwoolim Restaurant, Gugi Dong
Date & Time: Aug 29, 18.30 - 20.30
The discussion will extend to how the widely-held perception of education as a zero-sum competition shapes and affects Korean adults and the job market, with many jobs and the preparation required for job interviews in Korea often mirroring the studying habits developed during their formative years, as well as potential solutions. Join the discussion.
Venue: Sanwoolim Restaurant, Gugi Dong
Date & Time: Aug 29, 18.30 - 20.30
Dinner with Ramon Pacheco Pardo
Relations between South Korea and Europe have never been as strong. The EU, NATO and a growing number of European countries see South Korea as a key economic, security and diplomatic partner.
What are the key drivers behind these burgeoning ties? Which are the key areas for cooperation? And what obstacles prevent deeper ties between the two sides?
Ramon Pacheco Pardo will share his insight on the factors driving the closer relations between South Korea and Europe, highlighting the strategic, economic, and cultural dimensions of their partnership.
Venue: O Tigelle, Noksapyeong
Date & Time: Aug 14, 18.30 - 20.30
What are the key drivers behind these burgeoning ties? Which are the key areas for cooperation? And what obstacles prevent deeper ties between the two sides?
Ramon Pacheco Pardo will share his insight on the factors driving the closer relations between South Korea and Europe, highlighting the strategic, economic, and cultural dimensions of their partnership.
Venue: O Tigelle, Noksapyeong
Date & Time: Aug 14, 18.30 - 20.30
Meet the Journalists
Join us for a timely panel discussion on South Korea’s demographic challenges, particularly in light of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's recent initiatives to establish a dedicated ministry to address the low birthrate issue.
Journalists Sujin Chun from JoongAng Ilbo and Hanul Kim, formerly of Arirang, will offer their insights as women and professionals in Seoul, evaluating the effectiveness of government policies and the cultural and societal shifts needed to tackle these challenges.
Venue: Sanulrim Restaurant, Gugi Dong
Date & Time: June 27, 18.30 - 20.30
Journalists Sujin Chun from JoongAng Ilbo and Hanul Kim, formerly of Arirang, will offer their insights as women and professionals in Seoul, evaluating the effectiveness of government policies and the cultural and societal shifts needed to tackle these challenges.
Venue: Sanulrim Restaurant, Gugi Dong
Date & Time: June 27, 18.30 - 20.30
Limited to THIRTY spaces only
Exploring ROK-LATAM Relations
Join us for an engaging evening as we explore the increasingly important relationship between Latin America and South Korea. As global economic and political landscapes continue to shift, both regions are repositioning themselves to expand and diversify their supply chains to protect their national interests. Understanding the complexities of their interactions is crucial for anyone involved in economic security and diplomacy.
Our speaker, David Yang, a former ROK diplomat in Chile and current lawyer at a prestigious law firm, will share his insights on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Venue: El Cubito, Gwanghwamun
Date & Time: July 4, 18.30 - 20.30
Our speaker, David Yang, a former ROK diplomat in Chile and current lawyer at a prestigious law firm, will share his insights on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Venue: El Cubito, Gwanghwamun
Date & Time: July 4, 18.30 - 20.30
Limited to TWENTY spaces only
Meet the Journalists
Join us for an engaging panel discussion as we delve into some of the underreported aspects of South Korean society, exploring topics from discrimination and social divides to environmental concerns and press freedom challenges.
Freelance journalist Raphael Rashid and Ifang Bremer from NK News/KOREA PRO, who have extensive experience in in-depth investigative coverage, will share their unique insights on these topics and what they’ve learned from their own reporting experiences.
This event will offer a comprehensive look at the nuanced issues facing South Korea today, providing a platform for deeper understanding and dialogue.
Venue: Blumetz Gwanghwamun
Date & Time: July 25, 18.30 - 20.30
Freelance journalist Raphael Rashid and Ifang Bremer from NK News/KOREA PRO, who have extensive experience in in-depth investigative coverage, will share their unique insights on these topics and what they’ve learned from their own reporting experiences.
This event will offer a comprehensive look at the nuanced issues facing South Korea today, providing a platform for deeper understanding and dialogue.
Venue: Blumetz Gwanghwamun
Date & Time: July 25, 18.30 - 20.30
Limited to THIRTY spaces only
April 12: Journalist dinner (Jem Kim + Jeongmin Kim)
Join us for a dinner with Jem Kim, a contributing analyst at Korea Pro and former business reporter and editor at The Korea Herald, along with Jeongmin Kim of Korea Pro.
This timely discussion, which will take place just two days after the ROK's general elections, will focus on the election's impact on key legislation that will affect businesses here in the coming years.
Venue: Sanulrim Restaurant, Gugi Dong
This timely discussion, which will take place just two days after the ROK's general elections, will focus on the election's impact on key legislation that will affect businesses here in the coming years.
Venue: Sanulrim Restaurant, Gugi Dong
Limited to THIRTY spaces only
May 2: Dinner with Ankit Panda
Join us for an enlightening discussion on the future of the US-ROK alliance with distinguished expert Ankit Panda. This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to delve into critical issues shaping the bilateral relations between the United States and South Korea.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how current geopolitical developments are influencing US-ROK cooperation, as the US approaches a pivotal presidential election in November.
Venue: O Tigelle, Noksapyeong
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how current geopolitical developments are influencing US-ROK cooperation, as the US approaches a pivotal presidential election in November.
Venue: O Tigelle, Noksapyeong
Limited to TWENTY spaces only
May 9: Dinner with Brian Davis
Join us for a dinner with Brian Davis, who has been based on-and-off in Korea since 1988.
Davis will share insights about the role of USFK, its role and relationship with the ROK government, and his personal take on how the country and changed and where it may be headed.
Event is taking place on an off-the-record basis.
Venue: Crystal Jade Gwanghwamun Shanghai Palace
Davis will share insights about the role of USFK, its role and relationship with the ROK government, and his personal take on how the country and changed and where it may be headed.
Event is taking place on an off-the-record basis.
Venue: Crystal Jade Gwanghwamun Shanghai Palace
Limited to TWENTY spaces only
March 21: Journalist dinner (Washington Post / Munwha Ilbo)
Korea Pro hosts Michelle Lee of the Washington Post and Bo-Young Shin from the Munwha Ilbo for a conversation on South Korea's political-economic outlook.
Venue: Sanulrim Restaurant, Gugidong
Limited to TWENTY spaces only
March 28: Dinner with Eric John (Boeing)
KRG CEO Chad O'Carroll hosts a dinner with Boeing President for Korea, Eric John, who will discuss his long history in the country and offer a take on where things may be headed in the world of business and geopolitics.
Venue: Boccalino, Four Seasons Hotel, Seoul
Limited to SEVEN spaces only
March 30: Jeju Hike:
Mount Halla
Mount Halla
Korea Risk Group partners with Haja Korean to offer a one-day hiking trip to Jeju. Fly early from Seoul on Sat. 30m hike up Mount Hallasan, then enjoy dinner. You'll be back later on the same day.
From: Gimpo Airport <> Jeju Airport
Limited to TWELVE spaces only
Feb 8: Dinner with Korea Pro (Jeongmin Kim + John Lee)
Korea Pro Editors Jeongmin Kim and John Lee will be hosted by KRG founder Chad O'Carroll for an informal conversation on key contemporary South Korean political, economic and social issues.
Venue: Boccalino, Four Seasons Hotel, SeoulLimited to SEVEN spaces only
Feb 29: Journalist dinner
(FT / Economist)
(FT / Economist)
Korea Pro hosts Christian Davies of the Financial Times and Andrew Knox of the Economist for a conversation on South Korea's political-economic outlook. Includes extended networking time!
Venue: Sanulrim Restaurant, Gugi Dong
Limited to TWENTY spaces only
March 7: Dinner with
Dan Tudor
Dan Tudor
Korea Pro hosts renowned author on all things Korea, former Economist bureau chief and businessman Dan Tudor. Learn about Dan's interest in Korea and how he see the country evolving in 2024.
Venue: Boccalino, Four Seasons Hotel, Seoul
Limited to SEVEN spaces only
Want to attend KOREA PRO events regularly?
Spaces highly limited for all events. But KOREA PRO members get priority access and discounts on attending all. Become a KOREA PRO member today.
