Seoul: The Governors Association of the Republic of Korea (GAROK) on Thursday hosted a welcome ceremony for this year's fellowship program for foreign local government officials in Seoul.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the program, titled "Korea Heart to Heart" or K2H, has brought together 33 foreign local public officials from eight countries and regions. GAROK, a consultative body of 17 metropolitan cities and provinces led by Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, organized the event.

K2H, now in its 27th year, is considered a flagship international exchange and cooperation initiative. Launched in 1999, the program has successfully connected Korean local governments with counterparts worldwide. It invites foreign officials to work within Korean local administrations, providing firsthand experience of Korea's administrative system and culture. The initiative aims to cultivate Korea-friendly professionals and build practical networks among international local governments.

The welcome ceremony took place at the President Hotel in downtown Seoul, featuring fellows from countries such as China, Japan, Germany, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Zimbabwe. Participants will be dispatched to major local governments, including Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Incheon, and Ulsan, to gain insights into Korea's dynamic administrative fields.

Lee Jang-keun, chief of local diplomacy of GAROK, addressed the fellows, describing them as invaluable "local ambassadors" connecting their respective countries' local governments. He encouraged participants to embrace the pride and responsibility of being leaders in diplomacy during their fellowship period.

A participant expressed honor in learning directly about Korea's administration and culture. The fellow stated a desire to go beyond applying these experiences at home, envisioning cooperative projects between their home country and Korea.

GAROK plans to enhance network management using the expertise gained from the K2H program. The aim is for fellows to continue serving as channels for ongoing cooperation with their local governments even after returning home, thereby expanding the horizons of Korea's local diplomacy.