Taking First Step Toward Latin America: 2025 Forum for Youth Expansion to Latin America

- Sharing information on employment opportunities and work experiences in Latin America -

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the "2025 Forum for Youth Expansion to Latin America" on Tuesday, November 11, at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul.

The forum, held annually, provides youth with information on career opportunities in Latin America and serves as a networking platform to share work experiences in the region.

This year's forum brought together Latin America experts, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other public institutions in charge of overseas employment support programs. Professionals in energy, automobile and content industries who have worked in the region shared their relevant experiences with the young participants interested in working in the region. Small-group mentoring sessions were also held for the young participants to discuss their future plans with their mentors.

In session 1, titled "An Introduction to Latin America," Professor Lim Su-jin of the Department of Spanish and Latin American Studies at Daegu Catholic University provided background knowledge to help the youth gain a deeper understanding of the region.

Session 2 on "Strenthening Global Competence in Latin America" introduced internship and employment support programs -- the Foreign Ministry's support program for job seekers in international organizations, internship program at regional organizations in Latin America, and field training program in public diplomacy at overseas diplomatic missions; and the global career support program of the Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRDK).

The third session on "Sharing Work Experiences in Latin America" featured professionals from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Hyundai Motor Group, and POSCO International who shared information on the region and work experiences therein. Given the rising global interest in K-contents, the Korea Creative Content Agency also offered information on building presence in Latin America with cultural contents.

Session 4 consisted of small-group discussions, where groups of 5 to 6 pre-applied participants met with speakers to share their career goals and receive tailored advice.

For youth residing in provincial areas and overseas, the event was livestreamed and recorded for later viewing on the YouTube channel "Latin Plaza by MOFA KR."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to continue providing opportunities for young people interested in seeking jobs in Latin America to gain valuable information and connect with those who have worked in the region.