Report of Visit by University of Tehran Vice President for International Affairs to South Korea

From September 24 to September 27, 2025 (2–5 Mehr 1404), a delegation from the University of Tehran, led by Dr. Elham Aminzadeh, Vice President for International Affairs, and Dr. Karimi Motahhar, Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures, traveled to Seoul at the invitation and with the financial support of the Korea Foundation. The purpose of the visit was to expand academic relations, particularly to establish a Korean Language and Literature program at the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures and to launch and strengthen a Persian Language Chair at a South Korean university.

During the visit, the Iranian delegation held meetings with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea; the president, vice president, and directors of the Korea Foundation; the vice president and directors of Hongik University and its Korean Language Education Center; the vice president for international affairs of Kyonggi University; members of the Iran-Korea Association; directors of the Sejong Institute; and also met with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Seoul, Iranian diplomats, and Iranian residents and alumni living in South Korea.

In meetings with Korean officials, Dr. Aminzadeh emphasized the importance of scientific diplomacy and academic exchange, expressing the University of Tehran’s interest in expanding scientific and research cooperation with South Korean universities. She also highlighted the cultural affinities between Iran and Korea and the popularity of Korean scientific and cultural industries among Iranians. Dr. Karimi Motahhar elaborated on the Faculty’s more than ten years of experience in offering Korean as a second language and, given the strong interest among Iranian students, expressed the Faculty’s desire to establish a Korean Language program in collaboration with the Korea Foundation.

Korean university and foundation officials referred to the more than 60 years of positive relations between Iran and Korea, highlighting the naming of major streets in Seoul and Tehran after each other (“Tehran Street” in Seoul and “Seoul Street” in Tehran), and expressed their enthusiasm for expanding academic and scientific ties. To initiate this cooperation, both sides agreed to collaborate in providing expert instructors to support the development of Korean language education at the Faculty of Foreign Languages.

In the meeting with the Iranian Ambassador in Seoul and in discussions with some Korean officials, the issue of limited awareness in South Korea about the scientific capabilities of Iranian universities was raised. To address this gap, it was proposed that the University of Tehran, its Science and Technology Park, and its knowledge-based companies participate in exhibitions at Seoul’s central expo center, home to major Korean corporations such as Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and others, so that these companies can become more familiar with the capacities of the University of Tehran and Iranian scientific institutions, paving the way for broader collaboration.