‘50th Anniversary of Establishment’ Noh Seok-hwan, Commissioner of Korea Customs Service: “Protecting Customs Borders... A Safe Republic of Korea”

Noh Seok-hwan, Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service, delivers a commemorative speech to attendees at the '50th Anniversary Ceremony of the Korea Customs Service' held at the Government Complex Daejeon on the 27th. Photo by Korea Customs Service

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] “As the guardian agency of customs borders, we will continue to strive to create a safer Republic of Korea.”

Customs Service Commissioner Noh Seok-hwan said this on the 27th at the ‘50th Anniversary Ceremony’ held at the Government Complex Daejeon.

The ceremony was held with minimal attendance, including key executives and heads of related organizations, without inviting guests, while adhering to quarantine guidelines to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

At the ceremony, Commissioner Noh expressed gratitude to the public who have shown great interest and support, saying, “I thank the people for their interest and support that have brought the Customs Service to where it is today,” and added, “The Customs Service will continue to strive to become a trusted government organization by the public, with innovation and expertise as keywords.”

He also stated his aspiration, “As the guardian agency of customs borders, we will proclaim a new vision and prepare for a new leap forward to open the next 50 years.”

Congratulatory videos from President Moon Jae-in, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki, Chairman Yoon Hu-duk of the National Assembly’s Planning and Finance Committee, and Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), were also shown at the ceremony.

In his video message, President Moon said, “The Customs Service is the frontline guardian of our trade,” and “I celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Customs Service together with the people.”

He encouraged, “As a proud economic gateway of the Republic of Korea, I hope you will walk the path of innovation looking ahead to the post-COVID trade era.”

Meanwhile, the Customs Service conducted a public contest to share the meaning and value of the ‘50th anniversary’ with the public, selecting a ‘50th Anniversary Emblem and Slogan’ and carrying out commemorative projects such as a ‘Video and Creative Song Contest.’

Furthermore, commemorative projects will continue through the end of this year, including hosting a ‘Cyber History Exhibition’ and a ‘Charity Bazaar,’ as well as publishing the ‘50-Year History of the Customs Service.’