Brendan Berne, center front row, and members of the KAFS pose at a restaurant at the New International Hotel in Seoul Tuesday. / Korea Times photo by John Redmond

By John Redmond

The Korea Australia Friendship Society (KAFS) held a special dinner to welcome deputy head of mission at the Australian Embassy Brendan Berne, at the New International Hotel in Seoul on Oct. 4.

Comprising of KAFS members, local business figures and artists, the gathering of some 40 people took place between 7 and 10 p.m. and was a gesture by many as a way to thank Australia for coming to the aid of Korea during the Korean War (1950-53).

The evening comprised of a buffet style dinner and speeches by KAFS members in English, and a thank you message from Berne in Korean.

Berne’s previous posting was in France.

KAFS has been active for some 30 years as a program that involves the exchange of ideas and skills between Korea and Australia. These include job training, educational programs and trade opportunities.