FLO Business Delegation to Republic of South Korea

FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO) mounted a successful business delegation to the Republic of South Korea from September 30 to October 8, 2023. The objective was to boost bilateral trade and fostering meaningful business engagements. The delegation was led by FLO President Sudha Shivkumar and consisted of 41 accomplished women entrepreneurs and professionals from India.

The visit was marked by several significant achievements, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korean Women Entrepreneurs Association (KWEA) and the organization of cultural, economic, and educational interactions.

The meeting with KWEA and the MoU was facilitated by the Indian Embassy in Korea, and Ambassador Amit Kumar addressed the session during the signing ceremony. Ms Jeonghan Lee, President KWEA and Mr Kwang Hee Hong, Assistant Governor, Rotary Club of Seoul Hoehyon addressed the event.

The MoU outlines cooperation and collaboration in promoting women entrepreneurship and trade between the two nations. As a result, KWEA will send a delegation of over 100 women entrepreneurs to India in January 2024, and FLO will facilitate an exhibition of beauty products and cosmetic surgical services by Korean Women Entrepreneurs in India.

The Indian Ambassador in Korea, Mr Amit Kumar hosted a reception for the Indian delegates at the Indian Embassy in Seoul. The reception provided an excellent platform for interactions between the delegates and the Ambassador. During this event, the Ambassador shared his insights on India-Korea economic prospects and women empowerment.

The delegation had the privilege of engaging in educational and cultural interactions, including an interaction with Professor Mrs. Bae So Young. This session, held at the historically significant Samcheonggak Korean-style mountainside resort, focused on the art, culture, history, and food of Korea. Professor Mrs. Bae So Young is affiliated with Pennsylvania State University and Kyung Hee University.

Another significant interaction was with Mr. Young-Nam Um, a North Korean refugee, and a member of FSI’s board of directors. He shared his experiences and insights into the challenges of life in North Korea, his escape to South Korea, and the significance of freedom and human rights.

The delegates also visited Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, a delight for car enthusiasts. Members got an opportunity to embark on a new kind of automotive journey with expert guides who facilitated the experience of  seeing, hearing, and touching mobility and rediscovering the car as more than just a mode of transportation.

The visit would have been incomplete without a visit to the Amore Factory, which is a special place designed to offer visitors an opportunity to experience the philosophy of K-beauty leader, Amorepacific, with an overview of production procedures, the story of its past and present and its efforts geared toward the future.

The delegation visited various famous tourist places of cultural, historical, and technological significance in South Korea, including DDP Plaza, Samsung Innovation Museum, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, HiKr Ground, Gangnam Statue, Starfield Library, Camp Greaves in DMZ, Odusan Unification Tower, and more.

The delegation spent two days on Jeju Island. Jeju Tourism Association gave a grand to the delegation at the Airport, which was a pleasant surprise. The highlights of this part of the trip included attending the Nanta Show, a spectacular South Korean non-verbal comedy show created and visiting the Arte Museum, Jeju’s largest and newest immersive multimedia art gallery. The farewell dinner took place at the scenic Spirited Garden in Jeju. This garden is recognized for its “unique spirit of creation, commitment, philosophy and art fuse into a farmer’s dreams, bringing beauty, inspiration and leading to contemplation.”

FLO business delegation to the Republic of South Korea was a multifaceted and enriching experience. The delegation not only achieved its primary objective of enhancing business ties but also had the privilege of immersing themselves in the diverse facets of Korean history, culture, food, innovation, and beauty. These experiences have opened doors for further cooperation, mutual understanding, and appreciation of the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines South Korea.

FLO looks forward to building on these achievements and expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs in both countries.