BKS & Korean Embassy Annual Chuseok Reception, 29 September 2025
Written by: Douglas Barrett | Posted on: October 21st, 2025
If you have never been to Korea, or you are thinking of returning, there is no better time to visit than over the Chuseok Holiday – the time of thanksgiving and celebrating the harvest. It’s a magical season – the monsoon rains of summer have given way to clear blue skies. The leaves on the trees have turned to vibrant shades of red and brown. The whole country is on the move to their ancestral homes – this means is a superb time to visit Seoul as the capital empties and the legendary Seoul traffic melts away, if only for a few days.
Chargé d’Affaires Mr Han Sungho
In the true spirit of Chuseok, Sungho Han, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Korea, and his team at the Korean Embassy in London invited the British Korean Society to a reception at the Ambassador’s residence to celebrate the Korean Harvest. Chargé Han welcomed everyone and noted that the BKS will celebrate it’s 70th anniversary next year – it is a meaningful bond between our two nations. He paid tribute to the sacrifice of the 81,000 British troops who fought during the Korean war – The Republic of Korea would always be grateful. Our two countries continued to have high level exchanges in security, trade and defence. Korea wanted pragmatic diplomacy, a peaceful co-existence and denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula.
Sir Stephen Brown
Sir Stephen Brown, joint President of the BKS, welcomed the 70 or so guests to the reception. He noted that the Korean people fully understood the true value of democracy as was shown during the failed attempt to impose martial law. He also felt there were many opportunities for our countries to work together.
BKS Chairman Simon Smith CMG
Simon Smith, the executive chair of the BKS, thanked Chargé Han for his warm and generous welcome. Simon took part in the Korean Diplomatic Academy over 23 years ago. The cultural and business relationship is in good shape. Simon also paid tribute to ex Ambassador Yoon who was a dear friend and very supportive of the BKS.
Following the formal proceedings, we were treated to a traditional bamboo flute and drum performance by Hyelim Kim and Kangsan Lee. We also heard from an AI figure called Jinwoo who introduced proceedings – a first for me.
The evening concluded with wonderful Korean food provided by Koreana Restaurant and CJ Food.
We would like to thank everyone at the Korean Embassy for their wonderful hospitality.
Happy Chuseok!
