Seung Soo Han, ambassador to the United States from the Republic of Korea, visited the Polynesian Cultural Center Nov. 12.
The ambassador was welcomed to the center by Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Council of the Twelve and Loren C. Dunn of the Seventy and president of the North America West Area. Elder Nelson and Elder Dunn were in the islands for area training meetings for stake presidents, regional representatives, the temple president and mission president in Hawaii.Ambassador Han was also hosted by Lester Moore, the president of the center; Dr. Eric Shumway, president of BYU-Hawaii; and Albert Ho, president of the Hawaii Temple.
"The ambassador enjoyed his visit with the students and staff of the cultural center," said Elder Nelson. "Ambassador Han speaks very good English, and was able to communicate thoroughly his interests. He was there at his own request.
"The Polynesian Cultural Center has developed a very high reputation among many leaders of different nations. They search it out when they have a possibility of taking a few extra hours during their other necessary travel, and enjoy the remarkable facilities at the Polynesian Cultural Center."
Elder Nelson noted that Korean students at BYU-Hawaii, as well as Korean staff members, were present to welcome Ambassador Han. They were "able to make the ambassador feel very welcome there."
The ambassador arrived about 4 p.m and stayed until the show was over at 9 p.m. In a coincidence, the ambassador met the vice premier of China and the Chinese ambassador, who were also touring the Polynesian Cultural Center. (Please see separate story on this page.) They had been previously acquainted. They were particularly pleased to meet each other in this unexpected location.