The Guatemalan Embassy opened an honorary consulate in Busan in March. The inaugural ceremony on March 23 was attended by Guatemalan Ambassador Gustavo Lopez, Honorary Consul Lim Soo-bok, diplomats, related representatives and Guatemalans in Korea.

“The honorary consul will provide services to Guatemalans in nearby areas as well as information on the Central American country to interested parties, covering trade and investment, tourism, education and cultural events,” the ambassador said in a speech.

“A successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, Kim is the founder and chairman of Kanglim Organic Agricultural Corporation and Biocom Corporation.”

Lopez added that Lim received various awards from Korea’s National Tax Service, Korean Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for his distinguished public services.

Furthermore, the envoy noted, Kim -- a “devout Catholic and devoted father” whom Lopez had known for two years -- spearheaded various nonprofit and cultural activities through his charity foundation.

“I expect much progress between Guatemala and Korea through Mr. Lim’s dedicated and professional work,” the diplomat said.

Lim noted in a speech that Guatemala was one of Korea’s leading trading partners in Latin America, with 15 million people, 60 percent of whom are Catholic.

“Guatemala, located south of Mexico, produces and exports sugarcane and coffee, which are highly valued around the world,” according to Lim. “The physical distance between our countries is much larger than our cultural distance.”

Highlighting that Busan is vying to be East Asia’s marine hub, Lim expressed optimism about the two countries’ ability to create synergy through continued exchanges in business, culture and education.

By Joel Lee (joel@heraldcorp.com)