Pukyong National University Holds Special Lecture with EU Ambassador to Korea

June 10, Special Lecture by EU Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez
at Pukyong National University

Pukyong National University (President Bae Sanghoon) held a special lecture on the morning of June 10 at the Pukyong Convention Hall, inviting Maria Castillo Fernandez, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Korea.

Special Lecture by Maria Castillo Fernandez, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Korea. Provided by Pukyong National University

On this day, Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez delivered a lecture to undergraduate and graduate students of Pukyong National University under the theme "EU Korea together in challenging times."

Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez, a Spanish national, was responsible for Korean Peninsula affairs at the EU headquarters from 2000 to 2005, and served as Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Korea from 2005 to 2008.

In recognition of her contributions to strengthening relations between the EU and the Korean Peninsula in 2008, she was awarded the Civil Cross of Merit by the King of Spain. After serving as the EU Ambassador to Malaysia, she was appointed as the EU Ambassador to Korea in September 2020 and is currently serving in this role.

Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez emphasized that "the EU is a trustworthy, value-sharing, and reliable partner for Korea," and stated, "Based on democracy, human rights, and a rules-based international order centered on the United Nations, the EU and Korea are closely cooperating in various fields, including global and regional security, trade and investment, science and technology, as well as climate change and the environment."

She also explained the role of the EU Delegation in enhancing the EU-Korea strategic partnership, noting that bilateral cooperation is becoming increasingly important.

Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez strongly encouraged Pukyong National University students attending the lecture to actively pursue overseas study, which can be a turning point in life. She especially recommended studying in the EU, which values diversity, and encouraged students to step out into the world.

The Office of International Affairs at Pukyong National University organized this event to provide opportunities for communication between the EU Ambassador to Korea and students, as well as to support students' advancement into European countries and to promote joint programs with universities in the European region.

Special Lecture Invited by the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Korea. Provided by Pukyong National University

As of 2025, a total of 83 Pukyong National University students have been dispatched (50 students) or are scheduled to be dispatched (33 students) as exchange students to EU member states, while 36 students from EU member states have studied (22 students) or are scheduled to study (14 students) at Pukyong National University as exchange students.