The seminar for global government officials was held by the KDI School of Public Policy and Management (KDI School) and the Central Officials Training Institute (COTI). It was aimed at about 180 participants who work for domestic and international public sectors, including Korean government officials in the fields of financial administration and economy, as well as international policy workers currently studying at the KDI School. The seminar was designed to enhance understanding of the changes in global policy and to build networks between Korean and international participants. The seminar dealt with critical issues in Korea and around the globe.

The Korean governmental officials said it was somewhat challenging to listen to lectures and participate in discussions in English, but it became more comfortable as time went by. They emphasized that the session on conflict resolution and negotiation simulation was particularly helpful because they had to more actively interact with their foreign partners as a team and with international students from other groups to play their role. They also enjoyed the outside activity as it increased camaraderie with foreign students. They suggested the option of engaging in such an activity at the beginning of the seminar as to encourage natural relationship-building between Koreans and foreigners in a casual and fun setting.

The international students said that the seminar gave them a better understanding of the Korean culture and a meaningful opportunity to network with Korean government officials with whom they might potentially work in the future. Mr. Jung-hyuk Son, one of the Korean government officials, said that it was a fruitful experience as the insightful lectures enhanced their interest in current international issues. He explained that the seminar in general helped to develop broader and more diversified points of views. He also believes that the time spent was a valuable experience, for it helped him prepare for future international conferences and served as a stepping stone for effective exchanges and cooperation with other countries. According to Jihyun Kim, another Korean government official, although they learn about many countries, it is hard to fully comprehend their situations unless they pay special attention to them. However, this seminar allowed Korean government officials to directly converse with public workers in developing countries, raising greater interest in those nations along with a more grounded understanding. Moreover, this seminar made them think about Korean public policy in more depth; by more accurately comprehending how the Korean economic policies are manifested in reality, they were given the chance to consider what directions should be taken for the better future.

By Mikyung Byun (2010 MPP/ED, Korea)