1. The Foreign Ministry, Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) and the Korea Foundation, with the support of Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongju and Andong Cities, will co-host “Quiz on Korea,” a global quiz show on the Republic of Korea (ROK), at KBS, Seoul, on August 31.

2. “Quiz on Korea” is a public diplomacy program conducted by the Foreign Ministry and is designed to enhance foreigners' interest in and image of the ROK. For this event, 23 countries were selected that mark the 10th, 20th, 30th… anniversary of diplomatic relations with the ROK, and preliminary quiz contests were held at the ROK’s diplomatic missions in those countries in May-July.

3. The 23 winners of the preliminaries held in the 23 countries will visit the ROK on August 23-September 1 to compete in the final round. During their visit, they will watch live the Music Bank, one of KBS’ TV programs, make a tour of Seoul, visit cultural heritage sites in Gyeongju and Andong to take part in quiz programs there and finally compete in the final round of “Quiz on Korea” at KBS on August 31. The final round of “Quiz on Korea” will be aired at the end of September as a special program for the Chuseok holidays. It will also be aired by KBS World for some 200 million people in 72 countries around the world to watch.

4. By conducting the “Quiz on Korea” program, the Foreign Ministry has taken a step forward in its public diplomacy designed to win the hearts of people around the world. Furthermore, by making it an annual event, the Ministry is expected to set a good example of cooperation among various actors -- central and local governments and broadcasters -- in public diplomacy. The event is expected to help the participants from different parts of the world build friendship with each other based on their common interest in the ROK, deepen their understanding of Korean culture and play a role in promoting the ROK back home.

                            Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

* unofficial translation