Press Releases 04~05

Busan Metropolitan Simin Municipal Library and the United States Embassy in Seoul Open Korea's First American Corner

February 4, 2004

The Busan Metropolitan Simin Municipal Library and the United States Embassy in Seoul will inaugurate the first American Corner in Korea during a ceremony at the library on Thursday, February 5, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. United States Ambassador Thomas C. Hubbard and Mrs. Joan Hubbard, Busan Vice Mayor HEO Nam Shik, Superintendent SUL Dong Geun of the Busan Board of Education and Busan Metropolitan Simin Municipal Library Director HAN Tae Suk will be on hand to open the new facility to the community.

The Opening Ceremony of the American Corner Busan will be followed by an invitation-only reception at the library from 3:00 ? 5:00 P.M. Ambassador Thomas C. Hubbard will hold a separate meeting with the press at 3:40 P.M. in the Director¡¯s Office of the Busan Metropolitan Simin Municipal Library. Ambassador Hubbard¡¯s press meeting will be open to all accredited members of the media.

BACKGROUND: The American Corner Busan is a resource center located on the first floor of the Busan Metropolitan Simin Municipal Library that will provide the people of Busan with open, factual, and accurate information about the United States, its people, culture, history, government, and institutions. Students seeking to conduct research on the United States and members of the general public desiring to improve their English language skills through free access to a comprehensive collection of English language print and electronic materials will benefit from the American Corner¡¯s presence in their community. The American Corner Busan is the result of joint cooperation between the Busan Metropolitan Simin Municipal Library, which generously set aside a newly renovated 17 pyong space and provided skilled staff for the facility, and the United States Embassy in Seoul which donated 780 volumes of books, CD-Roms, DVDs, periodicals, computer and digital video conferencing equipment, and furniture.

Since 2000, the U.S. Department of State has funded the development of 99 American Corners in over 28 countries worldwide. The American Corner at the Busan Metropolitan Simin Municipal Library will supplement the library¡¯s existing 500,000-volume book collection and enhance the variety of educational programs already offered by the library by providing additional educational programming in English on a regular basis.

All press inquiries regarding the American Corner Busan should be directed to Mrs. Maureen Cormack or Mr. JUN Sang Woo, United States Embassy Public Affairs Section, 02-397-4780.

For Inquiries please contact:

Mrs. Maureen Cormack Information Officer Tel: 02-397-4637 Cell Phone: 011-418-0354

Mr. JUN Sang Woo Information Specialist Tel: 02-397-4637 Cell Phone:011-9258-0140