By Park Jin-hai

The Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) launched the 17th session of its CQ forum, Tuesday, which will be devoted to learning more about Korea over the next three months. 

A launch ceremony was held at the Indonesian Embassy in Yeouido with some 70 participating. 

“CQ” represents culture, concentration, communication, creativity and cooperation. CICI, founded in 2003, has held CQ forums twice a year since 2006 and brings together leaders from all walks of life to share cultural experiences, and to brainstorm innovative ways to promote Korea’s image overseas. 

“This year, we introduced new programs to have some hands-on experiences about Korea,” said Choi Jung-wha, president of the institute. 

“Previously it was to see and appreciate. For the new session, it is focused on learning by action.” 

CQ has some 300 members from various countries, 60 of whom are active.

Choi felt encouraged to see foreigners’ participation rising substantially. “When it was inaugurated in 2006, Koreans made up the majority, but the ratio is now half-and-half.”

The program includes visits to the Hyundai Card building ― to learn Korean corporate culture ― and Muuido Islands in Incheon, as well as lectures on healthy living, Korean calligraphy, and the IT and game industries. 

Indonesian Ambassador John Prasetio commented that the CQ session provides a platform for creativity. “Creativity is hard to find. But, CQ, by bringing people from different countries together and encouraging communication between them, makes us think out of box,” he said. 

Jim Bemowski, vice chairman of Doosan Corp. avid supporter of the program, said he thinks it is a great gateway to explore Korea. “One of the most amazing things was that we visited temples high on the mountains. And we looked out over layers of Korean mountains, an amazing view that you see in so many pictures.”