Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Norway Day celebrates 65th anniversary of bilateral ties
Norway Day, a significant business networking event hosted by the Norwegian Ambassador to Korea Anne Kari Hansen Ovind, took place Friday in Busan.
This year, around 200 participants attended the annual event, demonstrating the event's growing importance in fostering business relationships since its launch in 2002.
Norwegian Ambassador to Korea Anne Kari Hansen Ovind, right, and Lim kyoung-mo, assistant mayor for the city-wide innovation and balance office at the Busan Metropolitan City, cut a cake during the Norway Day 2024 event in Busan, Friday. Courtesy of Embassy of Norway in Seoul
By Kim Hyun-bin
The Norwegian Embassy welcomed a diverse array of Norwegian companies based in Korea, including notable names such as DNV Korea, Kongsberg Maritime Korea, Chokwang Jotun, Equinor Korea, the Norwegian Seafood Council and DOF Subsea. The event also attracted major Korean business partners and VIP customers, highlighting the robust ties between the two nations.
This year's theme, "To Celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Bilateral Relations," emphasized the enduring partnerships that have flourished over the decades.
Cooperation between Korea and Norway has expanded significantly, particularly in sectors such as shipping and shipbuilding, oil and gas, and more recently, in offshore wind, green shipping and decarbonization initiatives.
Notably, Korea is now Norway's second-largest trading partner in Asia and a crucial market for Norwegian seafood.
The strong bilateral relations can be traced back to the Korean War, where Norwegian participation played a vital role.
A total of 623 Norwegians served at the mobile field hospital NORMASH, treating approximately 90,000 patients and performing 10,000 surgeries. This historical involvement laid the foundation for the excellent relations enjoyed today, according to the embassy.