"A good country is one where children can make their dreams come true," said President Park Geun-hye as she was spending time with some 170 children who were invited to Cheong Wa Dae on May 5 in celebration of Children's Day.

President Park said, "Children all have different dreams, characteristics and talents. We should encourage them to develop what they have. When all the different dreams come together and create harmony, society will become happier and more beautiful."

She added that, "I will make concerted efforts to make Korea such a country, a gift that I can give to you."





Some of the children spoke about their dreams of becoming firefighters, police officers, comedians and chefs. In turn, chef Kang Leo, comedian Jo Se-ho and Kim Yeoung-hee gave them some advice.

Among the visiting children was Lee Yun-hee, in second grade at Jodo Elementary School in Jindo. Her dream is to become president. Lee said, "Seeing President Park on TV hold the hands of people suffering from difficulties, I wished I could become such a heartwarming president." She continued to ask if she needed to get good grades in school to become president.

President Park said, "I am very proud of you for dreaming to become president, to help your neighbors who suffer from difficulties. When I look back on my life, I always looked for ways to develop the nation and for ways to help people live a better life. I wanted to do something more and greater for the nation. This idea led me to become president."

She continued to say, "It's a wonderful and beautiful dream to help others and to want to hold people's hands. First, you need to plant seeds of hopes and dreams in your heart. Then you need to put in the effort to make that dream come true. That will help you get closer to your dreams."



After taking some photos with the children, President Park explored the career booths that had been set up around the Nokjiwon Garden, giving the children a chance to learn more about their dream jobs. President Park approached one group of children who were learning CPR and asked how they felt. "This would be hard to do if you didn't have firsthand experience," she said, joining in with the demonstration.

At the chef's booth, President Park made some traditional pressed sweets (dasik, 다식) with Han Bok-ryeo, an expert in royal court cuisine, and with chef Kang Leo. She also shared some sweet and sour chicken with the children.

By Jeon Han, Lee Seung-ah
Photos: Jeon Han
Korea.net Staff Writers
hanjeon@korea.kr