By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Alexandra Taseva from Bulgaria
Photos = Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Youth and Sports

In 2007, the Bulgarian State Agency for Youth and Sport (now the Ministry of Youth and Sports) signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea on better understanding of and bilateral cooperation in youth policy. The MOU seeks to promote partnerships between the two countries on youth issues, focusing on youth policy and key mechanisms and good practices to take on problems and meet the needs of young people in education, employment, civic participation in society and other areas.

In September, the Bulgarian Ministry of Youth and Sports hosted a visit by a youth delegation and representatives from the Korean Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. The delegation visited Bulgarian cities and held meetings with representatives from youth NGOs and young people in Bulgaria for exchanging experiences and good practices.

The Korean delegation went to Sofia, Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Burgas and Veliko Tarnovo, where members met members of youth organizations, visited youth centers and attended the government-sponsored concert "Bulgaria Loves the Young."

First on the delegation‘s itinerary was a meeting with Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Vanya Koleva. She congratulated the delegation on the occasion of the 11th consecutive year of the exchange program, which she called proof of its success. She added that the exchange should be based on good practices and the development of youth policy in both countries.



Koleva also asked questions to the delegates, including if young people in Korea exercise in their free time. The Korean delegates responded by citing statistics saying girls in Korea exercise an average of 12 minutes a day and boys 26 minutes. The deputy minister concluded the meeting by asking for the delegation‘s impression of Bulgaria after the tour and meetings with interested parties.

In October, Bulgarian youths made a reciprocal visit to Korea under the same program. The seven members of the Bulgarian delegation were selected in an open competition held by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The seven were students at university or other schools who were involved with NGOs, student unions and the Bulgarian Red Cross. They were invited by the Korea Youth Work Agency, an affiliate of the Ministry of Gender and Family. On Oct. 11, the Bulgarian delegation, led by Madlen Miteva of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, was greeted by Bulgarian Ambassador to Korea Peter Andonov, who briefed them on bilateral relations and answered questions on young people.

The Bulgarian delegation started its schedule with an official visit to the Korean Ministry of Gender and Family for a discussion of youth issues. They focused on youth policy, key mechanisms and good practices to tackle problems and respond to the needs of young people in sectors such as education, employment and civic participation in society.

The Bulgarian delegates later learned about modern Korean history at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. They were briefed on the difficulties, sacrifices and efforts experienced by Koreans as well as their hopes, risks taken and successes achieved.

wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.