Vienna, March 20, 2025 – Song Hyo-sook, director of the Korean Cultural Center in Austria and president of the World Culture Network (WCN), has been named a recipient of the Golden Decoration of Honor (Goldenes Ehrenzeichen), the highest honor bestowed by the Austrian government. Song, married to Park Jong-beom, president of the World Korean Business Association (World-OKTA), has long dedicated herself alongside her husband to fostering cultural exchange and strengthening ties between Korea and Austria.

Song’s contributions to the development of Korea-Austria relations through cultural exchange initiatives and various social contribution projects have earned her this prestigious recognition. She will receive the award at a ceremony to be held on March 28 at the Austrian Foreign Ministry, attended by prominent figures, including former Austrian President Heinz Fischer.

In a phone interview with reporters on March 20, Song expressed her gratitude and humility: “I am deeply honored to receive such a prestigious award, though it also feels like a great responsibility. I take it as encouragement to work even harder in the future.”

Based in Vienna, Song runs WCN, a cultural planning agency that has introduced renowned European classical performances to Korea while promoting promising Korean classical musicians on the international stage. She has built strong partnerships with world-class musical institutions and events, such as the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Boys’ Choir, and the Salzburg Festival, earning widespread trust in the local community. Additionally, Song collaborates with the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna to host competitions and provide scholarships, consistently supporting young local musicians.

Beyond her cultural endeavors, Song has also committed herself to serving the Austrian community. Through WCN, she has organized free concerts for nursing homes and, every December, hosted charity performances for refugees, donating the proceeds to local social welfare organizations.

Song played a key role in last October’s “Vienna Expo,” organized by World-OKTA in Vienna. She successfully led side events, including the “Korean Youth Art Fair” and a performance by soprano Sumi Jo with the Czech Brno Philharmonic at the Golden Hall. The “Korean Youth Art Fair,” designed to introduce K-Painting to the global stage following the rise of K-Classics, showcased 135 works by 23 Korean young artists, all of which were sold—a remarkable achievement.

Song Hyo-sook’s receipt of the Golden Decoration of Honor stands as international recognition of her dedication to Korea-Austria cultural exchange and social good. Her future contributions are eagerly anticipated.

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