South Korean Culture Minister Kim Jong-deok will attend a culture ministers' conference with his Chinese and Japanese counterparts on Jeju Island [...] Entering its eighth edition, the trilateral meeting on Saturday and Sunday will focus on ways to establish an Asian cultural community as a joint project by the three countries in arts, cultural assets, and the culture-related industry.

Everybody eats, which is what makes food a perfect choice to resolve conflicts and foster connections among nations. The concept is called "gastrodiplomacy," and South Korea is one of its strongest champions. [...] And even as the government supports its citizens in opening Korean restaurants around the world, it pays special attention to promoting that most ubiquitous of Korean foods: kimchi.

Korea and China celebrate the 24th anniversary of diplomatic relations on Aug. 24, but bilateral ties have suffered considerably in recent months due to Seoul's decision to deploy an advanced U.S. missile defense system here. Amid rising tensions between the two countries, President Park Geun-hye will visit China to attend the 11th G20 summit in Hangzhou on Sept. 4 to 5.

The purpose of CultureGround, which was established in March 2012, is vague. CultureGround plans festivals, travel routes and even international exchange events and volunteer programs. Kim describes his company as creating diverse travel programs with the keywords “Learn, Enjoy, Share.” 

Soldiers got the opportunity to visit cultural sites and learn about the unique history of Korea during a two-day cultural trip hosted by the city of Dongducheon, South Korea. [...] “Cultural learning opportunities, events and trips like these provide Ironhorse Solders and Families knowledge about Korean traditions and norms,” said Capt. James Nance, civil affairs officer, 1st BCT. 

Sports diplomacy is one of the few available ways North Korea is able to pursue public affairs diplomacy. In fact, Hong was photographed embracing American gymnast and current Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles during an international competition in 2014.

For decades, public diplomacy has been deemed a long shot in Korea’s statecraft, focusing heavily on shoring up the economy and expanding cooperation with other governments. [...] With the Korea Foundation at the forefront, the country supports Korean studies abroad, cultural events, academic and people-to-people exchanges, overseas publications and other programs. 

There was a rare moment of inter-Korean friendship captured at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro when North and South Korean athletes took a selfie together.[...] The photo has gone somewhat viral on the Internet and is being roundly praised for embracing the Olympic goals of building peace and understanding.