Dutch Business Council Korea

Events 2005 - 2011

	Wednesday 19 October 2011 Company visit to Incheon International Airport Corporation   . On October 19th a small group of the DBCK visited Incheon International Airport Corporation(IIAC).  After an introduction about IIAC by Mina Choi, Director of International Relations, the DBCK members got a tour to interesting sites of the airport such as automated immigration system, mock-up booth at the new terminal, maglev train and the ice rink.

	Thursday 15 September 2011 Lecture by Tim Condon On September 15th, Mr. Tim Condon, ING Asia Head of research, gave a presentation titled " The Current Crisis : How we got here and Where we are going" at the conference room of the embassy from 17:00 to 18:30. Tim Condon provided with the updates on the current world financial system that is experiencing a lot of turmoil by the downgrade of the US sovereign credit rating and the continuation of the Europen sovereign crisis, and showed his view on the opportunities and potential pitfalls for Korea.

	Wednesday 04 March 2009 Korean Friends of the DBCK   The first edition of the Korean Friends of the DBCK (KFOD) was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on March 4, 2009. With around 100 participants, this event offered a great opportunity to the DBCK members and their business partners to strengthen their friendship and promote their future cooperation. Following the welcome address by the Chairman of the DBCK, Dr. Gus Garita, Lead Economist at the Bank of Korea, gave an insightful presentation about Korean economy. Also, the Hamel Trade Award was jointly held as part of this KFOD event – Crucel/Berna Biotech Korea won the Most Steadfast Dutch Company in Korea and the Most Successful Korean Company in the Netherlands went to JVM Co. Ltd., one of the leading medical equipment producers. As a special feature of this event, each participant received “KFOD Facebook” which contains information of other participating companies, specially designed to facilitate the expansion of Korea-Netherlands network.   Please click here for KFOD photos.

	Thursday 15 January 2009 New Year's Drink   More than 30 members have joined the first DBCK event in 2009 on Thursday 15 January. A New Year's drink was held in the Grand Hyatt hotel.   During this event the chairman said goodbye to the board members Jean-Paul van Hengstum and Joost van Beveren. The other changes in the board were: Rogier van Beugen became the new treasurer and Olivier Kerckhoff was appointed vice chairman.   Furthermore Victor van Solinge briefed the members about the new event Korean Friends of the DBCK, which will be held on March 5.

	Thursday 27 November 2008 Wine Tasting at Chiko Vino   Chiko Vino offered our members an evening of wine and cheese tasting. About 13 members gathered in the Chiko Vino shop in Yeoido. Jack started with a presentation about wine in general and how the process of wine tasting works. After that we could taste 11 different wines, and enjoyed different kinds of cheese imported from Holland. During this evening we also said goodbye to our board member Jean-Paul van Hengstum who will return to Europe. We like to thank our members Jasmin and Jack for this very tasting event.

	Monday 3 November 2008 Visit of BAT factory Add your content here On November 3rd a small group of the DBCK visited BAT factory in Sacheon. The flight to Jinju was already scheduled at 07.30 am, so the participants gathered at Gimpo airport at 6.45 am. After an introduction about BAT Global by Richard Bakker, a presentation about Corporate Social Responsibility and an introduction about the daily operation of the factory,we headed for a well prepared lunch. After the lunch the DBCK members got a tour through the factory to experience the cigarette production process. Before flying back to Seoul, the participants enjoyed a tour through the Aerospace Park. The Board of the DBCK would like to thank our member Richard Bakker for organizing this interesting event. .

	Wednesday 27 August 2008 DBCK 2008-2009 Season Opening Drink   The DBCK season opening drink, the first gathering of the season 2008-2009 was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Wednesday 27 August. Approximately 40 members enjoyed the buffet and the drinks. During the evening the board presented an overview of last years’ financial results and its plans for the coming season. Coming events will be a visit to the BAT factory in October and the Hamel Award party in November. For further information please keep visiting www.dbckorea.com.

	Tuesday 17 June 2008 End of Season Barbecue   The DBCK end of season barbecue, the last gathering of the season 2007-2008 was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Tuesday 17 June. DBCK had the pleasure of the company of Mr. Jan Kees de Jager, the state secretary of the Dutch Ministry of Finance, and guests from the Ministry of Finance and, Economic Affairs.   Thursday 22 May 2008 Dutch Open   The annual DBCK Dutch Open Golf event was held at the beautiful Blue Heron Golf Club.   13 flights of members and their guests enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of golfing with superb weather conditions.   Last years winners VOPAK did not manage to maintain their trophy, this year the prize going to the ING Life 3 team.  Mr. Brandon Woo from Irdeto managed to be the best individual score. Mrs. Suzanne Han got the prize for best female. Many thanks to our sponsors for the day KLM, Heineken, Philips & Michelin. Balls were again provided by VOPAK.  24 April 2008 Visit to Gaeseong Industrial Complex   DBCK visited the Gaeseong Industrial Complex, a unique industrial area in North Korea on Thursday 24 April. A group of 25 people was guided by Gaeseong Industrial District Management Committee and GIC support foundation. The program included presentations on current status and future plans of GIC, area development of Hyundai Asan, guided tour of GIC facilities and factory visit.   It was a great opportunity for members to see how South and North Korea co-operate and outcomes generated from this co-operation.

	Thursday 3 April 2008 Lotte World Behind the Scene   On April 3rd a small group of the DBCK visited LotteWorld amusement park. After an introduction about the Lotte complex at the LotteWorld academy the DBCK members got a tour through the park. After witnessing the Parade we went to the maintenance area of the trains for the French Connection. There we received an explanation about the maintenance procedures and safety issues for this biggest roller coaster at LotteWorld. The Pharaoh’s fury, the newest attraction, was tried and enjoyed by the members. After this journey through Egypt there were still a few dye hard’s who made use of the “Gyro Drop”. Fall down 70 meters in 2 sec’s. The last part of the tour was a visit to the Folk museum. A walk through the history of Korea After the close out meeting at this museum the members went their own way. Again an enjoyable event of the DBCK.

	Thursday 28 February 2008 Lunch meeting with Mr. Bongsoo Jung   More than 20 members have joined this lunch meeting with Mr. Bongsoo Jung, a certified public labour attorney and the author of the "Korean Labor Law Bible". Mr. Jung took us on a journey through the Korean labour law, the changes the the upcoming changes.

	Wednesday 16 January 2008 New Year's Drink and a Guided tour of the Van Gogh Exhibition   More than 30 members have joined the first DBCK event in 2008 on Wednesday 16 January. A New Year's drink was held at the Giljy Italian restaurant followed by a guided tour of the Van Gogh Exhibition at the Seoul Museum of Art. It was a precious time to see the biggest Van gogh exhibition in Asia ever and share different views and stories behind the great master and his works.

	22 November 2007 Hamel Trade Awards 2007 has chosen Shell Pacific Enterprises, ArchitectenConsort and Daedong Industrial Co., Ltd Add your content here The Hamel Trade Award 2007 has been held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Seoul on 22 November 2007. Shell Pacific Enterprises won the Best Established Dutch Company in Korea and the Best New Comer went to the ArchitentenConsort. From this year, the new category Best Korean Company investing in the Netherlands has been added to also recognize and appreciate Korean contribution to the trade and investment between the Netherlands and Korea. Daedong Industrial Co., Ltd became the first winner of this award.   The Hamel Trade Award is a yearly award for excellence to a company that has contributed substantially to business and trade relations between South Korea and the Netherlands. The jury of the Hamel Trade Awards 2007 consisted of Han Rademaker (Chairman of DBCK), Hans Heinsbroek (Dutch Ambassador to Korea), Tong-Soo Chung (President of Invest Korea) and Carl-Johan Hagman (Chairman of the EUCCK)   Please click here for photos of Hamel Award Gala Add your content here

	Tuesday 2 October 2007 Hendrick Hamel Foundation   On 2 October Mr. Dick van Zanten and Mr. Jacques Snep, both board members of the Hendrick Hamel foundation from the Netherlands gave a presentation about their plans for erecting a Hamel house in Gorkum and to make a movie about the life of Hendrick Hamel. Also attending was the mayor of Gorkum mr. IJssels. At the end of the evening the guests got the opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting of the Hamel Wine Company.

	Tuesday 28 August 2007 DBCK 2007-2008 Season Opening Drink   On 28 August 2007 a new season started with drinks at chairman Han Rademaker’s house. Approximately 35 members were present. Special thanks goes to Lisette Jacobs, Mariska Vrakking and Jeanette Rademaker for their perfect hosting. During the evening the board presented its new board members and its plans for the coming season. Coming events will be a presentation by Dr. Melissant a lung specialist from the Netherlands, a visit to the Korean Air Maintenance facility and the Hamel Award party in November. For further information please keep visiting www.dbckorea.com.

	Wednesday 30 May 2007 Dutch Open 2007   The annual DBCK Dutch Open Golf event was held at Shinwon Golf Club.   11 flights of memebers and their guests enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of golfing with superb weather conditions.   Last years winners ABN AMRO did not manage to maintain their trophy, this year the prize going to the KLM 2 team.  Mr Chul Min Hah from ABN AMRO managed to be the best individual score for the second consecutive year.   Many thanks to our sponsors for the day Heinken, KLM, Philips & Mercedes Benz Korea.  Balls were again provided by Vopak.    Please click here for photos from Dutch Open.

	19 March 2007 An Event with Pim Verbeek and A Bid Farewell to Max Smits     The 19th of March 2007 DBCK had the pleasure of having Pim Verbeek, head coach of the Korean National Football team, as a guest speaker. Dutchman Pim Verbeek shared his experiences during the preparation and participation of the national Korean team in the World Cups in 2002 and 2006, where he acted as assistant coach to Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat, and his current activities as headcoach. We thank Pim and his assistant Afshin Ghotbi for participating in this DBCK event.   Also during this evening, DBCK bid farewell to Chairman Max Smits, who will leave Korea. We wish Max all the best in his new endeavours with KLM in Suriname. Max will be succeeded by Walter Moone, formerly Vice-Chairman and Han Rademaker, Executive Director at ING Life Insurance Korea, was appointed as the new Vice-Chairman.

	12 December 2006 Hamel Trade Awards for ING Life Insurance and OTB Solar   On 12 december 2006 the Dutch companies ING Life Insurance and OTB Solar won the Hamel Trade Awards 2006 for best established company and best newcomer. The Hamel Trade Award is a yearly award for excellence to a company that has contributed substantially to business and trade relations between South Korea and the Netherlands. The jury of the Hamel Trade Awards 2006 consisted of Mr. Tong-Soo Chung, Head of Invest Korea, Mr. Jean-Jacques Grauhar, Secretary General of the EUCCK, Mr. Max Smits, Chairman of the Dutch Business Club in Korea and H.E. Hans Heinsbroek, Ambassador of the Netherlands. The Nominees for the 2006 Hamel Award for a Company that is already well established in the South Korean market were: ING Life Insurance Korea, ASM International NV and Total Identity. Winner ING Life was established in 1989 and is currently the 4th largest life insurer in Korea servicing 900,000 customers for their financial needs. In 2006 it was rewarded with the Korea Social Contribution coporporate Award and  Korea Service Management Award in the financial service - life insurance category. The Nominees for the 2006 Hamel Award for a company that has only recently entered the South Korean market included OTB Solar, Frico Cheese and Naco. Winner OTB Solar is a leading Dutch manufacturer of solar cell equipment. In 2006 OTB announced the successful installation of a 30 MW production line to the South-Korean solar cell manufacturing company KPE. The total annual capacity of this new production line equals the yearly power consumption of 10,000 European  households. Please click here for photos of Hamel Award Gala

	14 November 2006 Visit to LG Philips LCD Paju Plant   DBCK has visited LG Philips LCD Paju Plant together with Dutch Junior Chamber of Commerce on 14 November 2006. It was a great opportunity for both our members and Dutch Junior Chamber of Commerce to look around world class LCD production plant.  Visit included P7 and module production line tour.

	13 October 2006 "The great Rembrandt" by Dr. Gary Schwartz   Dr. Gary Schwartz, one of the most renowned experts on Rembrandt in the world, gave a special lecture "The great Rembrandt" to DBCK members and guests on Friday 13 October at the Seoul Grand Hyatt Hotel. In 2006, it has been 400 years ago that Rembrandt, Holland's greatest 17th century painter was born. The founder and webmaster of CODART (International Council for Curators of Dutch and Flimish Art) Dr. Schwartz became a Rembrandt ambassador and shared his knowledge on Rembrandt and his background and revealed secret's behind paintings.

	20 September 2006 Exploring Korea   On 20 September Mr. Don Roelofs from Shilla travel (www.shilla.nl) elaborated on his activities in Korea. Shilla travel offers package and tailor made travels to/in South and North Korea. Mr. Roelofs explained which sites are essential to visit whilst living in Korea as an expat. Furthermore, Mr. Maarten Meijer presented his book "What's So Good about Korea, Maarten?". Mr. Meijer touched upon some cultural differences between Korean and Western soceity. Also, Mr. Meijer gave a interesting analysis of modern Korean society.

	16 September 2006 A bid farewell to a Dutch Ambassador Radinck J. van Vollenhoven A bid farewll to a Dutch ambassador Radinck J. van Vollenhoven and Mrs. Beatrice van Vollenhoven was held on Saturday 16 September 2006. Dutch Business Club Korea and Dutch Hamel Club have handed over a nice present. We all wish all the best to Mr. and Mrs. van Vollenhoven and hope them enjoy their next posting as much as they did in Korea.

	23 August 2006 Opening of the Season   On 23 August 2006 a new season started with drinks at the chairman, Max Smits' house. Approximately 35 members were present. Special thanks goes to the chairman, Jeanette Rademaker and Ellen Smits for their perfect hosting. During the evening the board presented its plans for the coming season. Coming events will be a presentation on Korea (by Don Roelofs and Maarten Meijer), an evening with Garry Schwartz on Rembrandt, a visit to a brewery and the Hamel Award party in December. For further information please keep visiting www.dbckorea.com   June 11th 2006 Season's closing event: Hilton Hotel   After almost 3 years in the Board of the DBCK, Garry Pieters (Chairman) and Tjeerd Bosklopper (Treasurer) will be leaving Korea. Good excuse for a drink. At this closing event of the season, Garry reiterated another year with highlights including visits to Hyundai Heavy Industries and Incheon Airport. This was also a year with even more membership participation which helped create such spectacular opportunities. In addition, the website is popular amongst members and 'browsers' as evidenced by 1,000 - 1,500 hits per month. According to statistics, quite a number of CVs have been posted and circulated which resulted in a number of young Dutch and Dutch/korean people finding employment in Korea. In another 'first', the mug-book was appreciated by all existing and prospective members. Garry gave a big "thank you" for the wonderful support that we continued to receive from the Embassy staff and his excellence Mr & Mrs Radinck van Vollenhoven.   Finally he introduced the new team that now includes: Taco Stoppels (Royal Netherlands Embassy) Joost van Beveren (Secretary - succeeds Walter Moone) Huw Howels (Treasurer - replaces Tjeerd Bosklopper) Walter Moone (Vice Chairman - succeeds Max Smits) Max Smits (replaces Garry Pieters)   The evening was concluded with watching the Dutch soccer team win 1-0 from Serbia-Montenegro, a fitting and deserved close of another DBCK season. May 30th 2006 DBCK "Dutch Open" 2006   The annual DBCK Golf open was held at the Blue Heron Golf Club. A field of 11 flights with a variety of corporate teams including ING, ABN-AMRO, Shell, Vopak, Forbo and Irdeto shot their way through a beautiful course under sunny conditions. The event was concluded with a sumptuous dinner followed by the award and prize ceremony.    The individual winner was Mr Chul Minha (team ABN-AMRO) and the winning team was ABN-AMRO. The longest drive came from Mr John Kim (ING Life) and the nearest-to-the-pin was shot by Mr Choi Soojong (ING Life). The loosing team may well have gotten the nicest prize for a sunny day: Heineken Kegs (new in Korea).Several other prizes were won thanks to the generous donation by our sponsors (KLM, LG.Philips, Transpac, Heineken, Lotte, Hyatt, Lotte, Marriot, Moet&Chandon and Fraser Suites. Balls were provided by Vopak, ABN-AMRO, Dutch Embassy (thank you, lots of them were used). For pictures taken by Ms Sim Sunyoung, please see <pictures>   The Blue Heron Golf Club is one of the nicest courses in terms of scenery, course design and lawn conditions. The East and West course are quite different but both equally challenging, particularly for the first-time players. Course details: Blue Heron Golf Club San 11-1 Sanggu-ri Daesin-myeon, Yeoju-gun Gyeonggi-do Tel: 031-884 0701-6 www.blueheron.co.kr Beatiful conditions Winner Chul Minha - KLM BC ticket Ams Winning Team ABN-AMRO March/April 2006 Company visit; Incheon Airport   DBCK members were invited to a unique visit of Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC). The 15 members started with a presentation by CEO Mr Lee Jae Hee, who passionately explained the 2010 vision of World Best Air Hub (World-class logistics, 2nd phase construction, Air City Development, Global culture & leadership, Strategic networking with partners). They also got a tour and a taste of the bagage handling facilities where (in phase 1) more than 3,000 drives and 20 km of conveyors have been installed. Finally, a smell of the tarmac (and kerosine), where they got "up close and personal" with the KLM Boeing 747-400 as it was prepared for push-off to Amsterdam. The whole event was organised by Max Smits and Mr Lee of Air France (who actually speaks perfect English with a hint of a French accent) and a team from IIAC to whom we are very grateful. Our resident photographer Tjeerd left some really good pictures for you to browse.    March 7th 2006 Grand Hyatt Soul, Behind the Scenes   We have all been to the Grand Hyatt Hotel (some more than others) and surely enjoyed it's luxurious atmosphere and delicious food numerous times. Especially for DBCK members and with thanks to Mr. Henk Eijsing (Executive Assistant Manager Food & Beverage) the Grand Hyatt opened its doors for an exclusive tour. On March 7th DBCK members had a look behind the scenes of this fascinating enterprise. January 2006 New Year's drink, January 21st 2006 Ambassador's Residence   Together with Ambassador and Mrs Radinck van Vollenhoven and the Board of the Dutch Club Hendrik Hamel, the Board of DBCK has the pleasure to invite its members and spouces for a New Year's drink at the Ambassador's Residence. More details will follow.   November 30th, Hyundai  HHI and HMC A unique tour of Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hyundai Motor Company.   Thanks to Folkert Visser from BP, we were be able to get a tour of the Hyundai Shipyard and Hyundai Motor Company. About 19 of us were hosted with VIP treatment as we were picked up from Ulsan airport with the Hyundai coach.   After a short film and presentation we were taken around the yard by Folkert and Mr Lee Kee Yun. This amazing 'city' of ship parts, seemingly randomly placed, is the largest and most efficient in the world. In 9 docks this yard 'churns' out a super-ship every 5 days! The hull of the impressive FPSO (combination of storage - 9 days- and production) was in the final stages of being completed before it would be towed to the HHI Offshore site where yet another impressive number of modules were being built, to be mounted on the Hull. They included power generators, desaltation and deaeration compressors and seperators.     After an excellent Korean Kalbi lunch we were taken through the engine factory. Basically your straight forward 7 cylinder diesel engine, except a bit bigger. Cylinders the size of lift shafts and engines the size of a 3 story building!   Afterwards we got to go to Hyundai Motor Company, the largest car factory by size in the world. After a presentation by Mr. Kang Ho Don EVP Production Coordination Division, we were taken on a tour of the factory. Again, very impressive with a clean environment, just-in-time delivery and lines delivering cars in 54 to 70 seconds dependiong on the model. Interestingly, the production lines were manned by males, whyle typically the completion checks and controls were done by females. HMC produces almost 2 million cars per year, of which about 1.2 million is for export.   To complete our visit, our generous hosts offered each visitor a Hyundai Coupe model and a group picture. All in all, a great day that will be remembered as "big: big ships, big engines, big plant, big car lot and big hospitality. thanks to our gracious hosts at Hyundai.   Check here for lots of pictures. November 23rd, New Seoul Hotel The Korean economy, outlook 2006. ING's Tim Condon.   This was a first, a combination evening with colleagues from the BKBF (Belgian Korean Business Forum). Thanks to the initiative of Erik Versavel,  Mr. Tim Condon, Head of Research for ING Wholesale Banking was the speaker of the evening, talking about Korea's outlook in a global context. Tim, is based in Singapore, a well known commentator on regional economies, and served as an external advisor to the Hong Kong Institute for Monetary Research. He gained considerable exposure among investors as well as regional government officials during the Asian financial crisis when he worked for the Worldbank. Tim has published numerous studies and can frequently be seen on television. The presentation was well received, partly because of Tim's build up of the presentation by putting Korea in a global context, and not to forget his positive outlook.   November 14th, ING House, Amsterdam The 2005 Hamel Trade Award.   The Dutch Business Club in Korea (DBCK) and the Royal Netherlands Embassy wish to inform you that the Hamel Trade Award 2005 for excellent performance on the Korean market has been granted to Inalfa Roof Systems and Irdeto.   The jury of the Hamel Trade Award 2005, which consisted of Mr. Alan Timblik of Invest Korea, Mr. Frans Hampsink of the EUCCK, Mr. Garry Pieters of the Dutch Business Club in Korea and H.E. Radinck J. van Vollenhoven, Ambassador of the Netherlands, decided to grant -          the Hamel Trade Award 2005 for the company that is already well established in the South Korean market to Inalfa Roof Systems and -          to grant the Hamel Trade Award 2005 for the company that has only recently entered the South Korean market to Irdeto.   To read the Jury report on Inalfa and Irdeto, please click the appropriate link. For related articles please see the following links: -Netherlands Embassy Seoul -Ministry of Finance -Nieuws overzicht -Seoul Times -JCC Holland October 18th, Hyatt Hotel, Wim Klomp DHV DHV and SamAn advising the government on the Kyung in Canal for shipping.   DHV and SamAn formed a consortium to conduct a feasibility study regarding the use of the Kyung-in Canal for shipping. This canal, used as drainage to combat flooding, could be extended to form a link between the Han river and Incheon Harbour thus offering even better drainage facilities as well as a canal for inland shipping. Much of the resources (containers, steel, energy, chemicals etc.) are currently shipped to Pusan, Ilsan and Gwanyang while most of the demand is in and around Seoul. Waterway transportation would offer a cheaper, environmentaly friendlier solution, as well as relieve Seoul of heavy traffic and polution. Henk Klomp, Project Manager at DHV explained the project and challenges as well as the approach DHV took. An interesting evening that was hosted in the newly renovated business centre of the Hyatt Hotel.   October 5th, Westin Chosun, Port of Rotterdam First DBCK event kindly hosted by the Rotterdam Port Promotion Council.   A delegation of businessmen and representatives of the Rotterdam Port Promotion Council headed by its Chairman Mr R.H. de Boer visited Korea and kindly hosted this DBCK event. Mr Roelf de Boer (ex Minister for Transportation) spoke about the Port of Rotterdam's current situation (largest in Europe) and its ambitions (investing $3 bln in the Maasvlakte II) and gave us an insight on his term in Dutch Politics. Notably, he also explained what initiatives the Rotterdam Economic Review Board (set up according to the Singapore model) was taking amongst others with regards to helping you moroccans get jobs. In addition, Mr Cas van der Baan, Project Manager STC (Shipping and Transport College) was kind enough to fill us in on the initiatives for setting up a joint venture with the City of Gwangjang. Click here for 2 pictures. September 1st, Ambassador's Residence Season's opening and welcome drink, courteousy of the Netherlands Ambassador.   The first event of the season, towelcome old and new friends, kindly hosted by his Excellency Ambassador Radinck van Vollenhoven at the Residence. By chance, Mr Cees van der Knaap is visiting Korea on official business and has kindly offered to share some views and experiences with the DBCK members.   State Secretary for Defense Mr. Cees van der Knaap was Secretary for Defence in the first Balkenende Cabinet from 22 July 2002, a position which he now fulfils once more in the second Balkenende cabinet as of 27 May 2003Service. More... May 31st  2005, 18:30 - 20:30 Netherlands Residence, Members & Partners   From May 28 Mr & Mrs W. Kok visited Korea, initially upon invitation of the Korea Labour Institute. However, the visit soon turned in a very busy schedule that included dinner at the Blue House, meetings with the PM, Ministers and assembly members, as well as researchers, committees and press. Mr Kok also spoke at the Global Forum for "Reinventing Government". The tiopics for Mr Kok mostly covered the Netherlands experiences regarding Labour reforma dn the Social Dialogue, initiated in the early '80's and institutionalised as the "Wassenaar Akkoord".  For Mrs Kok an equally busy program was set up that included a visit to the Raphael orphenage (Hamel Club's charity of choice), several galeries and two 'working lunches' at the residence hosted by Mrs van Vollenhoven. Click here for pictures.   On Tuesday May 31st, H.E. Ambassador and Mrs van Vollenhoven kindly invited DBCK members and parners, as well as several other selected guests for a farewell reception for Mr and Mrs Kok. The evening was a great success thanks to the gracious hosts and the relaxed atmosphere that allowed for discussions, laughs and a chance to share some ideas and views with Mr Kok's.   Mr Wim Kok was born in September 1938 and attended Nijenrode Business School. After his carreer in several trade unions, including Chairman of the FNV and of the European Trade Union Confederation Mr Kok went in to politics. Mr Kok was leader of the PvdA and member of the Lower House. In 1989 he became Minister of Finance and Deputy PM. From August 1994 until July 2002 he was Prime Minister. On April 11th 2993 Mr Kok was appointed by Her Majesty as Minister of State. May 30th  2005 DBCK "Dutch Open 2005"   The 2005 DBCK "Dutch Open" was again a great success thanks to the weather and the great spirits in which 11 teams competed for eternal honour and some great prizes generously donated by our sponsors: KLM, LG-Philips, Transpack, Heineken, Moet Hennessy, Fraser Suites, Grand Hyatt Seoul, UTS, Hilton Hotel, Philips Electronics, ING Investment Management, Shell, ING Bank and ING Life. The winning team was Team Interchem while the overall winner was Mr Ha Sang Yol.   Click here for more information. May 7th  2005 Visit to the "Secret Gardens"   A beatiful day for a visit to Changdeok-gung, often but mistakingly refered to as "the Secret Gardens". The Palace was constructed in 1405 (King Teajong) as a secondary palace to Geongbok-gung. Although the Japanese destroyed it in 1592, it was restored in 1610 and remained a royal living quarter until the last king died there in 1926 and the last Queen of the Jeosun dinasty died in 1966. The gardens are called secret as they are located behind the palace buildings and really meant for the royal family to recline, contemplate and study. In olden days, about 1,000 people would live and work in the palace grounds. The whole complex is on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its harmonious design. The visit was followed by a lunch as SanChon restaurant in Insadong which offers Korean Temple Cooking and worth re-visiting with family, friends or business partners. The tour and lunch were kindly organised and sponsored by Mr Woo Shim of Min ITS, for which the about 30 members and families were extremely grateful.  click here to download a map and directions

	May 4th  2005 "Dodenherdenking" and Commemoration of the Dead   A large crowd gathered at the War Memorial "de Molen" at Saemal Interchange, HeongSeong to attend a service of commemoration of the dead on the occasion of the 55th aniversary of the Dutch participation in the Korean War. Wreaths and flowers were laid by H.E. Ambassador and Mrs. van Vollenhoven and Charge d'Affairs Mr. H. Koets, Mr. Cho Tae Jin Governor of HeongSeong County, ROK Army, UNCMAC, Korean Veretans, DBCK, Hamel Club and gathered guests. After Mr Lee Ik Kyun, Liaison Officer of the Netherlands Veterans closed the ceremony, guests moved to the "Den Ouden" Monument at Samil Park. The Organising Committy had kindly invited all guests for lunch at the County Office Building.

	Koninginnedag, April 30th 2005 All Dutch Nationals were invited by H.E. the Ambassador of the Netherlands   His Excellency and Mrs Radinck van Vollenhoven graciously invited Dutch Nationals and selected guests to join the celebration honouring Her Majesty's birthday. The afternoon and evening were extremely pleasant in a relaxed and 'orange' atmosphere, where Heineken and bitterballen were served to complete the Dutch experience. More...

	April 21st  2005 Breakfast meeting Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs   The Royal Dutch Embassy invited members to a breakfast meeting with Mr. Karel de Beer, Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. de Beer spoke about the most recent political developments in the Netherlands, updated the members on the (re-) organisations within the Ministery and covered the latest international affairs.