Park Young-sik
Kurmitola Golf Club in Dhaka is a serene escape nestled within the city’s bustling heart. I still remember my first tee-off there – a misty morning bathed in golden light, the fairways sparkling with dew. It was my introduction not just to Bangladeshi golf, but to a new chapter in my diplomatic journey. When I arrived in Dhaka in mid-2023, Korea and Bangladesh were celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. I was told, “Join the golfers”—advice I quickly understood. In diplomacy, golf is more than recreation; it’s a forum where hierarchy softens, trust builds, and stories are shared. That first round at Kurmitola, I was struck by its beauty. Tall trees lined the fairways, tropical blooms accented the landscape, and the calm of the course stood in stark contrast to Dhaka’s famed energy. I played alongside fellow diplomats and local business leaders, and by the 18th hole, I had already made new friends. I understood why one colleague had called Bangladeshi golf courses a “hidden treasure.”
Finding the Tigers Soon, I was welcomed into the Tiger Golf Club (TGC), a unique circle of golfers including ambassadors, high commissioners, and local enthusiasts. TGC is about more than golf; it fosters international fellowship. At my first TGC event in Gulshan, hosted by the ever-charismatic Indonesian Ambassador Heru Hartanto Subolo and British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, I was met with laughter, warmth, and an unexpected sense of family.
That evening, we raised funds for underprivileged caddies—a gesture that revealed the heart of this club. Brigadier General (Retd.) Manzur Qader, TGC Vice President and a true gentleman of the game, took me under his wing. He taught me not only technique but Bangladeshi golfing culture: lemon shorbot at the 9th hole, stories between shots, and tea shared with laughter post-round.
From Kurmitola to Army Golf Club, from Bhatiary in Chattogram to coastal greens in Cox’s Bazar, I explored Bangladesh through its courses. Each round was a cultural immersion: local legends, diverse landscapes, and friendships that grew with each swing.
Diplomacy on the Fairway
Over time, the golf course became an extension of my office. Real breakthroughs often happened here—not in conference rooms but between tee shots and birdies. One memorable tournament paired me with a senior Bangladeshi official. Casual conversation gradually deepened, and by the 18th green, we had laid the foundation for future cooperation. Golf also opened doors to business. While playing alongside industrialists, we shared frank conversations about Bangladesh’s investment climate. These discussions shaped Korea’s approach to partnership here. One such exchange led to a fruitful joint venture, underscoring how informal settings often unlock formal progress. Golf teaches patience, humility, and respect—traits critical in diplomacy. The rituals of the game—conceding a short putt, observing silence during a backswing—mirror the etiquette that underpins successful bilateral relationships.
Celebrating 50 Years of Partnership
During my tenure, we celebrated the golden jubilee of Korea-Bangladesh relations. One unforgettable moment was “Korea Week 2023” in Dhaka. For the first time, K-pop bands performed live in Bangladesh. Thousands of young fans sang along in Korean—a surreal, moving experience. We also hosted a musical fusion of Korean traditional instruments with Bangladeshi folk dance, symbolizing cultural harmony. In my remarks, I thanked Bangladeshis for embracing Korean culture and celebrated the growing people-to-people bonds that outlast any government term. Our trade relationship grew stronger, reaching over $2.6 billion annually. Korea became one of Bangladesh’s top four foreign investors, with over 200 Korean companies operating across diverse sectors. These numbers became real to me during my visit to the Korean EPZ in Chattogram. Walking through bustling factories, speaking with workers, I saw the human face of bilateral trade. Over 70,000 Bangladeshis work there, producing quality goods for global markets. One young man told me, “Thank you for these jobs.” I replied that it is we who are grateful—for the partnership, dedication, and hope. I often reflected on the 1979 collaboration between a Bangladeshi entrepreneur and Daewoo, which launched the ready-made garment sector. From that seed grew a national success story—85% of Bangladesh’s exports now come from garments. Korea is proud to have been part of that journey.
Toward an Economic Partnership Agreement
Looking to the future, we began laying the groundwork for a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Countless discussions happened in ministries and meeting halls—but some began on the golf course. During a TGC retreat to Cox’s Bazar, I strolled a fairway with a Bangladeshi official, brainstorming how an EPA could open new markets. That casual walk led to formal proposals, and by 2024, negotiations were underway. It was a testament to how trust built on the greens can fuel national progress. The EPA will go beyond textiles, diversifying trade into ICT, pharmaceuticals, and green industries. It reflects our shared ambition to grow together in the 21st century.
Bridges—Concrete and Metaphorical
Perhaps our most symbolic cooperation was the $1.2 billion rail-road bridge linking Chattogram Port with Bangladesh’s industrial belt. It was the largest project funded by Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund. The signing ceremony was a proud moment. Later, as I teed off with one of the bridge negotiators, we joked: “Let’s bridge that water hazard too.” Beyond roads and bridges, Korea is supporting Bangladesh with digital parks, ICT hubs, and vocational training centers. I’ve visited these sites personally—places where Bangladeshi youth are building futures with Korean support.
In October 2024, at our National Day reception held under open skies, I raised a toast to the next 50 years of friendship. Among the guests were my golf companions—faces that reminded me that diplomacy is built on relationships, not just policies.
Soul of a Nation
Outside of work and golf, I explored Bangladesh’s soul. I cruised the Sundarbans, listening to the rustling mangroves and tracking tiger footprints. I visited Sylhet’s tea gardens, Cox’s Bazar’s golden beaches, and Old Dhaka’s bustling food stalls. Dhaka’s energy is overwhelming at times—but its charm is undeniable. From narrow Mughal lanes to sleek towers, from Haji biryani to Mithai sweets, it’s a city that grows on you. My wife and I embraced it fully. She became an active member of TGC’s ladies’ wing and found her own circle of friends. Together, we learned the language of this land—not just Bangla, but the deeper language of hospitality, warmth, and resilience. I met garment workers proud of their contribution to global brands, and students eager to learn Korean and study abroad. Over 35,000 Bangladeshis have worked in Korea since 2008. I often met their families—grateful, hopeful, and proud. These connections are the real threads in our bilateral tapestry.
Final Reflections
As I prepare to leave Bangladesh, I reflect on my time here like I would a long round of golf. There were challenges, yes—diplomatic bunkers and rough patches—but also unforgettable birdies: cultural exchanges, economic milestones, and new friendships. One moment encapsulates it all: a winter morning at Army Golf Club during the “Diplomats Cup.” In my foursome were a general, an ambassador, and a young CEO. We shared dreams and visions between shots. By the 18th hole, we had not just played a round—we had shared a journey. Bangladesh’s dream of becoming a developed nation by its 50th anniversary resonates with Korea’s own past. We are eager to walk this journey together, supporting Bangladesh’s aspirations through technology, education, and innovation. On my last round at Kurmitola, my TGC friends surprised me with a farewell ceremony on the 18th green—a cake shaped like a golf ball, a plaque, and kind words. I was deeply moved when they called me by name—not title—as a friend. I once quoted a Bangladeshi proverb at a TGC dinner: “Bondhu ai jonmor jonmodhan”—Friends are the assets we accumulate in this life. I leave Dhaka with a wealth of friendship, trust, and a memory. As I sign the scorecard of my assignment, I do so knowing the real value isn’t in the score but in the journey. Golf—and Bangladesh—have taught me that. I leave not just as an ambassador, but as a friend of Bangladesh. Fore! To new beginnings and enduring friendship between Korea and Bangladesh.
H.E. Park Young-sik
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh
