Law School Blog
Monday in Seoul—A Lesson in Cultural Competence
Monday, October 16, 2006
Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire and UW President Mark Emmert arrived in Seoul last night. At the embassy briefing, the audience heard several U.S. State Department officials discuss the variety of issues they are addressing—from student visas to free trade talks, to tourism, wine, beef, and, of course, North Korea. As we listened to this incredible list of front-burner items, I could not help but think of the importance of effective communications.
Our law school has a strategic goal of developing cultural understanding and competence. We cannot become 21st century professionals without seeing the world around us in a more knowledgeable light. Our legal profession focuses on problem-solving; but to solve modern day issues, we need to understand how people perceive us as an individuals, as member of a group, and as members of a nation. This trade delegation will open the eyes of all of us who have been fortunate enough to attend.
While I spent time at the embassy briefing, Professors Takenaka and Kang paid a visit to the general counsel of LG, one of Korea's large houses of commerce. Our goals were simple—to introduce the UW School of Law to the LG legal department and to encourage our Korean friends to consider sending their lawyers to Seattle to spend some time with us in Seattle. In a similar fashion, I hope that many of you reading this blog will begin to consider the prospects of spending time here or somewhere else on the planet, living and learning, developing your cultural competence. Meanwhile, Professor Taylor joined President Emmert for a visit to the Korea Foundation, an organization that has supported Korean studies at UW for several years. Saying thank you for past support is one of the best ways of setting the stage for future assistance.
Late Monday morning, we gathered to visit Yonsei University. Yonsei is one of Korea's most well-known and respected private universities. The Yonsei delegation who met with us were an impressive group with nearly all having studied at U.S. institutions. One faculty member, Professor Nam, is a UW alumnus who now teaches Intellectual Property at Yonsei. Clearly, there are several ways for us to cooperate with and to learn from our friends here.
On Monday afternoon we visited another outstanding institution, Seoul National University. I had the pleasure of visiting SNU three years ago. Since that time, the school has continued to grow and evolve. All Korean law schools are busy trying to position themselves for a future decision by the Ministries of Education and Justice to change the basic approach to legal education.
On Monday night, the UW alumni club of Seoul hosted a lovely dinner party. The number and achievements of those in attendance was astounding. We had nearly 50 people attending, including:a member of the National Assembly, the President Emeritus of Seoul National, two chemical engineers, a senior executive for Kodak of Korea, the head of a marketing firm, the name partner of the largest law firm in the country, and name partners in the number two and three sized law firms—all UW graduates. The entire dinner party was hosted by the chairman emeritus of Busan group, also a UW alumnus.
As I spoke with all of these business, civic, and professional leaders, I marveled at their ease in moving from one language to a second, and, frequently, to a third. The evening provided a perfect example of the importance of cultural competence and a measuring stick for how far I, and we, need to develop.
By the way, the day went by so quickly that I took no pictures! We will repair that tomorrow! Have a great day!
Dean Knight