"Foreigners should learn the ideology, sensibilities and language of Korea."

The Ambassador of Paraguay emphasizes the investment value of Paraguay, as the size of the country is four times that of Korea, but the population is only six million.

"Paraguay is four times the size of Korea, but the population of the country is only six million. With high technological ability, Korea has a good investment opportunity in Paraguay. In addition, there are many areas in which both countries can cooperate, including student exchange programs and trade activation projects."

On November 21st, a meeting was held with Ambassador Ceferino Adrian Valdez Peralta of the Republic of Paraguay at the Paraguayan embassy located in Hannam-dong, Seoul.

Ambassador Peralta said, "Although Paraguay is geographically one of the farthest countreis from Korea, the emotional gap between the two countries is small. Roughly one thousand Koreans moved to Paraguay 45 years ago, and now the second generation of those Korean immigrants is thriving all around the country.
The Paraguayan government is currently planning to build new hospitals, including general hospitals. I hope that the technology of Korea can support such projects in Paraguay."

Today, there are approximately 22 thousand Korean-Paraguayans, working as doctors, lawyers, politicians, military officers and so on.
There is even a famous reporter by the name of 'Jonanta Park.' The ambassador added, 'The diligence and economic power of Koreans are highly praised in Paraguayan society. There is no racial discrimination."

Concurrently, there are about 59 Paraguayans living in Korea. Most of them are university student, and twelve of them have married Koreans. The parents of many of the married Koreans. The parents of many of the married Paraguayans are the descendants of Koreans who lived in Paraguay for long time. "Two native Paraguayans married Korean men and now have children. I never thought of those children differently for their multicultural background."
This comment by the ambassador reveals his open mind. The ambassador also said that he often meets fellow Paraguayans on weekends to relieve homesickness and share informationon Korea. He said he is satisfied with the life in Korea.

With a smile, Ambassador Peralta added, "In Paraguay, my daughter used to be the honorary ambassador of traditional Korean clothing. Now, in Korea, she is trainning to be come a model. Next year, when time allows, she might compete in the 'Miss Multiculturalism Contest."

Paraguay is the land of soccer. Although the government does not sipport each school club, the clubs freely and independently support themselves. Soccer is also supported by sharing money raised by selling tickets to soccer games. In Paraguay, there are two religions : Cathilicism and soccer.

The ambassador said, “It was a very worthwhile experience for me to volunteer at the Taean oil spill site during the cold winter of December 2007. Immigrant women, foreign students and workers strive to learn the ideology, sensibilities and language of Korea."

Interview with the president of PPCWC & ICFW