S. Korea seeking to set up office of U.N. Information Centers in Seoul

South Korea is seeking to set up a regional office of the United Nations Information Centers (UNIC) in the country, officials at the foreign ministry said Friday.

The UNIC delivers information about the U.N. to people in the countries where they are located and promotes U.N.-related activities through education and partnerships with civic groups.

The U.N. operates such information centers in 63 countries worldwide.

The foreign ministry has requested the finance ministry allocate 535 million won (US$527,000) for the creation of the office in next year's budget, officials said.

"If the budget is finalized, the government plans to begin to consult with the U.N. next year," the official said.

The government said that an envisioned office will help promote public understanding about South Korea's role in the U.N. system and lead more Koreans to work in international organizations. (Yonhap)