From July 23 to August 2, 93 officials from the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) underwent an intensive twelve-day mid-career training program in Seoul, hosted by the KDI School.

The program, which is Phase III of the Korea Study Tour project undertaken by the Government of India, was made possible by the on-going collaboration between the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) and KDI School since 2007. Five years into the program, 578 officers from IAS have participated and were successfully certified.

This year’s program schedule consisted of classroom-type lectures, actual field visits, and cultural activities; these allowed the participants to be exposed to the “Miracle on the Han River,” the term referring to Korea’s rapid and accelerated economic growth, industrialization and modernization.

The lectures focused on Korea’s economic development policies and social infrastructure investments, ranging from agriculture and community development to healthcare and education.

Aside from the lectures and seminars, the participants also visited various major industrial sites and relevant institutions, namely, the Prime Minister’s Office, National Medical Center, SMG-SNU Borame Medical Center, Operation & Information Service, Korea District Heating Corp in Nanji Island, Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education & Training, Korea Polytechnics, Incheon Free Economic Zone, Songdo International District for Business, Hyundai Heavy Industry and Hyundai Motors, Busan Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority, etc. These site visits provided the participants the opportunity to interact with their Korean hosts and learn from the latter’s experience of overcoming economic difficulties and achieving success.

The cultural activities included a ferry ride on the Han River, and visits to the famed Korean heritage sites of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. They were also treated to a preview of the Nanta Performance at the Gangbuk Nanta Theatre and a visit to the N Seoul Tower located at Namsan Mountain in central Seoul.

The training and participation of the IAS officers bode well for the bilateral relations between India and Korea. With the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) taking effect last January, trade activities between the countries are expected to increase by 70%. Korea’s assistance in the professional advancement of India’s future decision-makers will help cement the burgeoning  partnership between the two countries.

By Maria Charmaine D. GUEVARA (2012 MDP, Philippines)