Asia Society Korea embarked on an exciting adventure to mark its 15th anniversary on Monday, June 12th. The destination? Busan, the vibrant city that shines at the southern end of the Korean Peninsula. Mr. Dong-Bin Shin, Chairman of Asia Society Korea, played host to over 50 distinguished guests and members of the Asia Society community. Together, they embarked on a memorable journey to commemorate fifteen years of pursuing common objectives and forging meaningful relationships along the way.

The festivities began at Signiel Busan. Dinner opened with welcoming remarks from Chairman Mr. Dong-Bin Shin and was then followed by a toast from Busan City’s Mayor Mr. Hyong-Joon Park and warm words of congratulations from the ROK Navy’s Chief of Operations Admiral Jong-Ho Lee. The night concluded with a shared moment of awe as guests basked in the spectacular panoramic night views of the city from LCT’s X the Sky Observatory Deck.

The next morning began aboard ROK Hansando. Here, members took part in a poignant Remembrance Ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement. Led by Deputy Commander and Rear Admiral Sang-Sik Lee, those in attendance paid their respects and honored the veterans in a ceremony which saw the attendees casting flowers onto the water below.

A congratulatory lunch followed, hosted by Busan’s Vice Mayor Mr. Sung-Kwon Lee at LOTTE Hotel Busan. Then, a visit to the Busan Port to learn about the World Expo 2030 brought the outing to a wonderful close. As attendees bade farewell to one another and to the city, a renewed sense of purpose in our role of building and strengthening partnerships across the people and institutions of Asia and the United States was tangible. Together, we move forward, inspired by the memories and experiences that will forever remain with us.