'World Friends Korea' launched

The government yesterday launched Korea`s representative group of overseas volunteers to boost the nation`s standing as a responsible member of the international community.

The group, named "World Friends Korea," has incorporated existing volunteer groups like those organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry of Public Administration and Security and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Despite the number of overseas Korean volunteers, estimated at 2,000 per year, the services they have performed with various groups have not succeeded in raising the country`s brand value, officials said.

With an incorporated group under a single name, the government hopes to enhance Korea`s image by reaching out to those in need in various parts of the world.

The name "World Friends Korea" captures the image of the country being a good friend to needy neighbors worldwide, and the government plans to promote the name, developing it into the country`s representative brand, officials said.

At a ceremony at Cheong Wa Dae yesterday to celebrate the launching of the group, about 480 people, including government officials, those from various volunteer groups, scholars and cultural figures, and those from foreign embassies in Korea participated.

Between March and April, the Presidential Council on National Branding offered a prize contest for citizens to participate in creating the group`s name and its logo. Some private firms specializing in developing brand names and images also took part.

By Song Sang-ho

(sshluck@heraldm.com)