South Korean Ambassador to Ankara Won Ik Lee met with students at the conference titled "The Past, Present and Future of Turkey-Korea Relations" organized at Selçuk University.

Selçuk University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Emrullah Eken, at the opening of the conference held at Sultan Alparslan Cultural Centre, wished that the program would contribute to Turkey - South Korea relations in terms of scientific, academic, cultural, artistic and economic activities. Stating that Selcuk University continues its activities in an ancient city, Prof. Dr. Eken said that although the University was founded in 1975, it continues its education and training activities with a culture dating back to the Great Seljuk Empire.

After Prof. Dr. Eken's speech, the conference on "The Past, Present and Future of Turkey-Korea Relations" began. Won Ik Lee, Ambassador of South Korea to Ankara, said that the foundation of Turkey - South Korea relations was formed by Korean veterans. Stating that the two societies fought against China during the Gokturks period and then Turkey and South Korea came together in the Korean War, Lee said that Turkish soldiers made a significant contribution to the liberation of Korea.

Lee stated that the two countries competed for third place in the 2002 World Cup and had a friendly rivalry in Tokyo 2022. Emphasizing that Korean citizens were not indifferent to the forest fires in Turkey, Lee noted that friendship forests were created in 6 cities with sapling donations.

Ambassador Lee stated that this year marks the 65th anniversary of Turkey - South Korea diplomatic relations. Pointing out that there are more than 190 Korean companies in Turkey, Lee said, "The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge is an issue that we can consider as a symbol of cooperation between the two countries.  The bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world and was a project that required very advanced technology. As we were able to do this project together, we think we will be able to do bigger projects together in the future. Since we have accomplished such big projects, we can undertake important projects together not only in Turkey but also in a third country."

The conference, which was attended by Dean of the Faculty of Communication Prof. Dr. Enderhan Karakoç, Dean of the Faculty of Science Prof. Dr. Semahat Küçükkolbaşı, Dean of the Faculty of Literature Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Hacıgökmen, Dean of Beyşehir Ali Akkanat Faculty of Business Prof. Dr. Fatih Mangır, faculty members and students, ended with the presentation of gifts.