Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Kingdom of Cambodia

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Phnom Penh Hosts 

the “2025 Cambodia–Korea Alumni Reunion”

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Phnom Penh hosted the 2025 Cambodia–Korea Alumni Reunion on 28 August 2025 at the Sun & Moon Riverside Hotel in Phnom Penh. The event was held on the largest scale ever, with more than 300 Cambodian alumni who studied or trained in Korea in attendance.

Held against the backdrop of expanding and deepening bilateral relations following the establishment of the Strategic Partnership last year, the reunion was especially meaningful in that it brought together members of major alumni associations, which had previously organized separate gatherings. In addition to the alumni, senior Cambodian officials including H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, and H.E. Khuon Phon Rattanak, newly appointed Cambodian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, attended the event.

Major alumni associations include: ▴KAAC (Korea Alumni Association of Cambodia, voluntary alumni group), ▴CAMKAA (Cambodia–Korea Alumni Association, KOICA alumni), ▴KGA (KOFIH Global Alumni, Jong-Wook Lee Fellowship program alumni), and ▴GKS (Global Korea Scholarship, Ministry of Education scholarship program).

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Hyunsoo Kim, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Phnom Penh, expressed his pride in the Cambodian alumni, stating, “It is truly inspiring to see you contributing to the development of Cambodian society and economy, based on the experiences and knowledge you gained in Korea.” He added, “Just as former Korean students contributed to their national development after returning home, I hope you too will play a role in making Cambodia a country that attracts students from around the world.”

Mr. Kim further emphasized, “In order for the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Cambodia to cooperate more closely as strategic partners, the role of the alumni present here today is essential. I encourage you to continue serving as civilian diplomats who can deepen the friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”

In his congratulatory remarks, H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, stated that Cambodian alumni who studied in Korea are “key human resources leading progress in various sectors of Cambodian society.” He added that “seeing so many alumni gathered together this evening, I am even more hopeful about the future development of Korea-Cambodia relations”.

H.E. Khuon Phon Rattanak, Cambodian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, also delivered congratulatory remarks, expressing his deep gratitude to the Korean government for providing valuable opportunities for Cambodian human resource development. He pledged that, as the new Ambassador, he would make every effort to further advance and strengthen the bilateral friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Throughout the event, more than 300 alumni and guests shared memories of their time in Korea in a warm and friendly atmosphere, while also reaffirming their bonds of friendship. The alumni associations introduced their activities and engaged in active discussions on ways to contribute to the future development of Cambodia–Korea relations. The event concluded with a taekwondo demonstration and a K-pop performance, further energizing the audience.//End//