SEOUL, 26 August 2014 – The incoming head of Korea’s new Consulate General in Cebu called on Philippine Ambassador Raul S. Hernandez at the Embassy Chancery on Tuesday, 26 August 2014 before his posting to Manila in September.

Lee Ki-seog, Deputy Director General of the Planning and Management Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), has been tasked to open the consular mission covering central Philippine islands popular among Korean travelers, including Cebu, Bohol, Negros, and Boracay.

“I am confident that as new Consul General, you will be able to enhance cooperation between the Philippines and Korea in the fields of trade and investment, socio-cultural and people-to-people exchanges and other consular assistance,” Ambassador Hernandez said, wishing Mr Lee “a meaningful tour of duty in the Philippines.

A veteran Arabic hand, with three of five previous postings in the Middle East, Mr Lee emphasized the need to see primarily to the needs of 15,000 residents and 400,000 travelers from Korea, but added that the promotion of economic relations, including trade and tourism, as well as Korean culture are part of his mandate.

He did not specify a date for the opening of the new Consulate General, which will be temporarily based out of a hotel in Cebu until a suitable and permanent office location can be established. Two consuls will assist him in Korea’s newest consular post, which will report to the Korean Embassy in Manila.