Korea's COVID-19 Response and Diagnostic Technology Theme, 'Know Korea' Resumes After 5 Months

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the "Understanding Infectious Disease Response in Korea" program on the 24th and 28th as part of the "Unboxing Korea" project for foreigners residing in Korea to enhance understanding of Korea's experience in responding to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and infectious disease diagnostic technology.

The "Understanding Infectious Disease Response in Korea" program consisted of three parts: ▲ lectures by healthcare experts ▲ regular public diplomacy consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the diplomatic corps in Korea ▲ visits to companies producing COVID-19 diagnostic reagents and medical foundations.

This event, resumed about five months after the global spread of COVID-19, was held in a new format combining non-face-to-face online events with face-to-face events that complied with social distancing and quarantine guidelines.

On the 24th, a live online lecture titled "Korea's COVID-19 Prevention and Management" was delivered by Professor Choi Jae-wook of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Korea University, attended by about 100 members of the diplomatic corps in Korea and foreign journalists. Professor Choi presented ▲ the current status of COVID-19 vaccine and treatment development ▲ response measures for prolonged COVID-19 crisis, and emphasized the need to establish a mid- to long-term COVID-19 response strategy across government ministries covering areas such as economy, society, employment and labor, and education.

On the 28th, more than 20 participants, including members of the diplomatic corps from 12 countries and foreign journalists, visited companies producing COVID-19 diagnostic reagents and medical foundations to tour the entire process from research and development to production and specimen testing of diagnostic reagents. The visits included listening to explanations about Korea's current COVID-19 diagnostic status and directly observing research and production facilities and testing processes using automated equipment alongside experts in each field.

The attendees showed great interest in Korea's rapid and accurate COVID-19 diagnostic technology and system. In particular, the diplomatic corps in Korea evaluated that Korea contributes to strengthening international solidarity in the global health cooperation field and requested the sharing of Korea's technology and experience to enhance their own countries' infectious disease response capabilities.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "We will continue to strengthen various public diplomacy activities to promote our culture, knowledge, and policies not only to foreigners overseas but also to those residing domestically, thereby enhancing correct understanding and trust in Korea within the international community."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.