Expertise & Qualifications
A leading practitioner and policy expert in customs and international trade, with over 40 years of experience in customs administration, WTO/WCO/FTA affairs, and ODA projects.
Professional Experience
- 30 years of service at the Korea Customs Service, Ministry of Finance and Economy, and the World Customs Organization (WCO)
- 7 years as PM overseeing KOICA ODA project review and evaluation (2018–2025)
- 4 years and 3 months as overseas ODA advisor (including KOICA assignments)
- 2 years as university adjunct lecturer
- Overall PM for KOICA ODA project review and evaluation (13 projects in 10 countries across Asia, Africa, and Central/South America, 2018–2025)
- Conducted feasibility studies, implementation planning, final evaluations, and on-site missions for customs modernization and digitalization projects
- Korean Senior Advisor dispatched to the Investment Promotion Agency, Ministry of Economy, Kyrgyzstan (2016–2017)
- Provided policy advisory and shared Korea’s experience in economic development and customs/trade policy (WTO, WCO, FTA)
- KOICA Advisor dispatched to Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment (2012–2015); awarded Government Merit Medal (Aug 2015)
- Adjunct Professor at Dankook University and Baehwa Women’s University, teaching International Trade, Customs Law, and Trade Practice (2011–2012)
- Acting Head, Korea Customs Officials Training Academy (retired June 2011 as Senior Official; awarded the Order of Civil Merit, Red Stripes)
- Director of Customs Clearance Divisions at Busan, Seoul, and Incheon International Airport Customs; Acting Head of Incheon International Airport Customs (2002–2010)
- Served at the WCO Secretariat, Brussels (Jan 1999–Dec 2001); expert in Rules of Origin
- Participated in the Harmonization Work Program on Non-Preferential Rules of Origin
- Conducted capacity-building missions in six countries across Africa, South America, and Northern Europe
- Served at the Ministry of Finance and Economy (Customs Bureau), responsible for Rules of Origin and WTO accession/implementation (1986–1994)
- Languages: Fluent in English (consulting-level proficiency); working knowledge of French and Spanish (4.5 years in Europe)
Education & Training
- Completed International Customs & Trade Training Program, Finland Board of Customs (1988)
- MPA, University of Oklahoma, USA (1984)
- Completed European Economic Integration (EEC) Training Program, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands (1980)
- Completed Master’s Program in Law, Korea University (1979)
- LL.B., College of Law, Kyung Hee University (1976)
