His international postings have included key assignments in The Hague, Moscow, New York, and Lisbon, where he served as South Korea's Ambassador to Portugal. Within the Foreign Ministry, he also held major leadership roles, including Director General for European Affairs.

Ambassador Park’s connections with Hungary stretch back over twenty years, beginning with his early work coordinating high-level government visits, including a 2004 Korean Prime Ministerial delegation.

He officially assumed his role as Ambassador to Hungary in December 2020, serving through late 2022 before returning for a second tenure to lead South Korea's diplomatic mission in Budapest.

Throughout his postings in Hungary, he has focused extensively on advancing bilateral relations across economic development, innovation, and vibrant cultural exchanges.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

I returned to Hungary at the end of March 2026 for my second posting here as ambassador. Just as I did when I first came to Hungary as the Korean Ambassador to Hungary at the end of 2020, I arrived with a list of ten goals I would like to accomplish during my tenure. I will share the details when I leave here three years from now. For now, I can simply say that these are efforts to further strengthen and deepen the already high level of cooperation between Korea and Hungary as “strategic partners.”

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

Over the course of my 38-year diplomatic career, I have served in the United States (Florida and New York), the Netherlands, Brunei, and Russia (Moscow). I have also lived in Portugal and Hungary as ambassador, and I am currently living in Hungary again.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

When I first arrived in Hungary at the end of 2020, I was surprised to discover that economic cooperation between Korea and Hungary was much stronger and more advanced than I had previously imagined. At the same time, I was pleased because there were still so many areas in which Korea and Hungary can move forward hand in hand. When I returned as the 15th Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Hungary, I was pleased to learn about the reasons and background behind the Hungarian government’s change following such an overwhelming election result. We have some challenges before us that we can turn into opportunities by working closely with our 7,000 members strong Korean community as well as the new Hungarian government.

4. Friends are in Budapest for the weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

I hope Budapest will be a place where many friends and relatives will visit in the future. I would like to recommend that they appreciate the essence of refined classical music at the Opera House, and the Liszt Conservatory and to visit the Parliament Building, Váci Street, Heroes' Square and Andrássy Avenue.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

I enjoy eating gulyás (goulash), halászlé (fisherman’s soup), and lángos. Goulash is similar to Korea’s yukgaejang, while halászlé is very similar to Korea’s spicy freshwater fish stew. Goulash is my absolute favorite dish, both in Korea and here in Hungary. It is also the best remedy for hangover after having had a little too much to drink the night before.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Yogurt, milk, cheese, kimchi, fruits, and vegetables.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

“Köszönöm szépen,” “Jó reggelt,” and “Egészségére.”

8. What do you miss most from home?

Korean-style sashimi made from fresh, live fish, which my parents and I enjoy eating.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Before returning here, I taught for three semesters as a professor in the Department of International Relations at the University of Ulsan. It was a very happy and fulfilling time, and it made me think that if I had chosen a different life instead of becoming a diplomat, I might have been quite happy becoming a professor from the very beginning.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

I have never really thought about it in any particular way.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Last summer, I spent several days with a friend from my high school days at his parents’ home. It was in Namhae County, a fishing village in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. We visited historical sites associated with Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a hero of the Imjin War (the Joseon–Japan War) in the late 16th century, who is also well known in naval history around the world. Since it is a coastal area, I have particularly vivid memories of enjoying delicious fresh sashimi and seafood.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

Next summer, I would like to spend a few days by Lake Balaton and also visit Croatia.

13. Apart from temptation, what can't you resist?

Every Friday evening, it is hard to resist the temptation of Hungarian red wine and Tokaji dessert wine. I particularly enjoy drinking red wines from the Villány, Eger, and Szekszárd regions.

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

My favorite band is ABBA, my favorite films are The Godfather series, and my hobby has been reading.

15. Red or white?

I prefer the color white when it comes to colors, and when it comes to wine, I prefer red wine.

16. Books or films?

I enjoy both books and movies, but if I had to choose one, I would choose movies.

17. Morning person or night person?

I am more of a morning person.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Globally, climate change is a serious issue. For Korea, the aging population and low birth rate are particularly serious challenges.

19. Buda or Pest?

It is difficult to choose between Buda and Pest. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Hungary is located on Andrássy Avenue in Pest, while the ambassador’s residence is on Mátyás király út, in Buda. I cannot tell you how enchanted I feel during my commute between the two parts of the city. I truly love both Buda and Pest equally.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

My personal motto is, “This too shall pass.” Since turning 60, another motto of mine has been “Those Were the Days,” which is also the title of a pop song by Mary Hopkin, together with “carpe diem”.