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The Salzburg Global Seminar – Korea Foundation Fellowship connects Korean leaders with a diverse, innovative, and global network of Fellows

Salzburg Global Seminar asked Hyeseon Do, a Fellow taking part in the first year of the program, about her experience.

"My name is Hyeseon Do. I am currently working in one of the conservation organizations to conserve migratory birds and their habitats."

Hyeseon shares how the Fellowship Program helped her design local projects in Korea with a fresh approach. 

"I joined the program called the 'Parks for Planet Forum.' Particularly what I liked is they don't only talk about environment protection because in my field, especially the conservation field, [I am surrounded by] people who all work for conservation and [the] environment. So it is quite difficult to meet people from different [fields]. But there were like psychologists, developers, and teachers... So it was quite interesting to hear their perspectives which I never thought about. For example, one of the lectures that really hit me was about 'loneliness.' So when we design the park, what I particularly think about is how to maximize the impact for biodiversity. But people [at the program] talked about how to tackle [the] loneliness of people when designing the park. I also brought some of those ideas to my project, touching the people's feelings and making them comfortable. I think that was one of the considerable aspects of when I redesigned all the local projects here [in Korea]."

Each Fellow is assigned with a mentor from their respective field of interest as part of the Fellowship Program.

"My mentor is Kim Krebs. She's based in Australia. She has been implementing different campaigns, different policy changes, and initiating different movements in Australia at a local level at a regional level. So we met every month for the last five months. I think I was truly lucky to meet her."

Salzburg Global Seminar: What does being Korean mean to you in this global age?

"I'm Korean, a South Korean working in an international organization. I sometimes feel lonely because there are not really many Koreans, to be honest, compared to other Asians. As we can see in this society, there is a "K-Move." We call it the "K-Move." There is Son [Heung-min], BTS, and a lot of movies, actors getting awards... But I think this moment is most important because the more [we gain influence], it means that we can voice out. I think voicing out [at the right time] and the right place is very important. I think we are the ones who need to really speak up to the global society [about] who we are and what we can contribute to the world."

Who would you recommend this Fellowship Program to?

"What you can definitely learn from the program is a fresh new perspective you never had before. Also, you will find new team members to tackle various issues in this world together. I assume that most of the future applicants of this program aspire to be future leaders. This program will provide the supporters and colleagues you need in your individual journey."

For more information, check out our program!