The Hungarian Embassy extended its diplomatic outreach to Busan and the surrounding areas with the appointment of an honorary consul on Wednesday.

In a ceremony at Dongseo University’s new Centum Campus, Hungarian Ambassador Gabor Csaba bestowed the exequatur issued by the Foreign Ministries of Hungary and Korea to Chang Je-kuk, 53, who has been the university’s president since 2011.

Chang -- a Japan expert -- taught international relations at the university following his education in the US and Japan, where he studied politics and law. 

With his appointment, Hungary aims to strengthen its diplomatic, economic and cultural presence in Korea’s second-largest city and its surrounding areas, the embassy said. The diplomatic mission also has honorary consuls based in Daejeon and Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province.

“While our diplomatic efforts have so far largely centered on Seoul and its vicinity, it was high time that we expanded our horizon to Busan,” Csaba said in a speech. “I am sure that Hungary has found the right man responsible for this demanding, yet highly rewarding job.”

The university has a vibrant student exchange program with various Hungarian Universities, one of Korea’s educational institutions that send some 350 students to the central European country every year. Currently, two Hungarian students are studying at the university through the Korean Government Scholarship Program.

Csaba also mentioned the growing Korean investment in Hungary led by companies, including Samsung Electronics, Hankook Tire and Hanon Systems.

“Our cooperation has been mutually fruitful, as demonstrated by the Korean corporations’ expanding operations in Hungary,” he said, adding that they have employed more than 20,000 people.

The envoy also mentioned the recent decision by Samsung SDI to build a large-scale plant outside Hungary’s capital of Budapest to produce electric vehicle batteries.

The event was attended by Hungarian diplomats, Busan Mayor Seo Byung-soo, business representatives, university staff and local media.

By Joel Lee (joel@heraldcorp.com)