Becoming a diplomat in Korea
A highly structured path of competitive education, training, assessment, tests and interviews that mean nothing in the real world
In South Korea, careers in foreign affairs have always been highly sought after. Earlier generations of diplomats were connected to the ruling elite, wealthy enough to study overseas (when very few did), and wealthy and able to secure access and graduate from either Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University) institute, respectively. While the most blatant markers of elitism have been removed, the modern diplomatic profession still holds a degree of prestige.
Individuals aspiring to work in foreign affairs typically follow a highly structured path, balancing academic preparation with professional experience and rigorous selection processes.
The journey often starts at high school. The journey towards a foreign affairs career often begins with a robust academic background. Most individuals aim to attend prestigious universities, with Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University (the so-called "SKY" universities) being popular choices. A major…