Finland and Korea celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations

Raseko had a successful trip to Seoul in October 2023

The students of Raseko and TAI and their teachers Tomi Aho (Raseko) and Niina Vahtera (TAI) worked for one week at the Finnish Embassy in Seoul. They cooked and served three events hosted by ambassador Pekka Metso. The cover theme of this year’s implementation was Finland’s rich food culture and event guests got wide scale of traditional tastes from Archipelago, North- and East parts of Finland. The guest were ambassadors from different countries, food importers (Business Finland) and local chamber members. New aspect of this year’s implementation was food and drink tasting during the event co-ordinated by Business Finland. The feedback from ambassador Metso and his guests was excellent; cocktails, decorations and food all were in good balance and professional-level and the team worked very well together. They gave perfect example to the host and the guests how high-quality Finnish vocational education is.

Culinary in Finnish Embassy

The culinary week in Finnish Embassy is already a tradition to Raseko and TAI. The Culinary week is implemented before three times in co-operation between Raseko and TAI. Earlier they have been in Bangkok, Lisbon and Nairobi. The starting point was in Reykjavik where Raseko was only education provider represented. Next year the Culinary week is going to Paris. Ambassadors all around the Europe and globally are expressed their interest to have Finnish culinary week to their Embassies.   

Special year 2023

Year 2023 is very special for Korea and Finland – we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. Raseko’s delegation was also involved in this special year’s implementation. Raseko’s director Maria Taipale, development manager Olli Vuorinen and international coordinator Heidi Ruusumo were invited to two events in Embassy. Delegation was honored to be present at these valuable and high-profile implementations and very proud of these talented students and teachers who made glory to Finnish vocational education and food culture.

Co-operation with Korea

During these days at Seoul, students, teachers, and delegation visited in a local Sejong University, Tourism, and restaurant service -department. Sejong University locates about one hour drive from city center of Seoul. Mr. Jaemun with his team wished education visitors warmly welcome. They presented their University and did a campus tour. Another visit was to Signiel Lotte Hotel. At Lotte, delegation met Mr. Lee, Lotte Signiel’s human resource manager. With Mr. Lee, Maria, Olli and Heidi presented Raseko and discussed about Finnish vocational education, internship periods and possibilities to co-operate in the future. Both visits were success and opened the doors to them.

In addition of official agenda, during five days visit, the delegation got to know Seoul and Korean culture, seeing sightseen, getting to know about the history, enjoying tasty Korean food, and getting to know people. At the end, interesting and teaching trip which clarifies understanding about the city and profile of prospective student to fit the Seoul as an internship. The goal of our visit to Seoul was to participate Embassy’s events, networking, explore Raseko students’ possibilities and their suitability to Seoul and looking for suitable working life partners. All goals and expectations were fulfilled.  

Regards,

Maria, Olli and Heidi