Culture ministry opens job training for global tourism careers

The culture ministry said Tuesday it will host a two-day practical training session next month to help young South Koreans secure jobs at international tourism organizations, citing the need to strengthen job-seeking capabilities and provide insight into global tourism trends.

Scheduled for September 18 and 19 at the Korea Tourism Organization Seoul Center, the event targets 50 university students and graduate researchers. Registration opened August 25 and continues online until September 10 on a first-come, first-served basis.

The curriculum begins with a talk show featuring broadcaster Fabien Corbino on global tourism trends, followed by lectures on writing English resumes and mastering interviews. Participants will also attend networking sessions with staff from major international bodies.

On the second day, attendees will engage in a mock international tourism organization meeting to identify and present key agenda items.

Leading the sessions are Kim Dae-kwan, a professor at Kyung Hee University and former head of the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, and the chair of the Korea ESG Management Development Institute, the first Korean to receive tenure at the OECD. Kang Won-seok, CEO of CHC Job Consulting, will also lecture.

Current officials including Tae Eun-ji, an Asia-Pacific regional officer for UN Tourism, and Cheon Eun-gyu from the Pacific Asia Travel Association, will serve as counselors.

Participants who complete the course will receive an activity confirmation certificate and bonus points when applying for the 2027 UN Tourism internship program.

The ministry plans to cover transportation and accommodation costs for attendees traveling from outside the metropolitan area.

"We expect this training to become a solid stepping stone for our youth, who will lead the future tourism industry, to advance into the global stage," a ministry policy official said.