Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, center, poses for a commemorative photo after receiving a diplomatic medal from the Czech Republic. Captured from social media of Czech Ambassador to South Korea Ivan Jancarek

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun has been awarded a Czech government medal in recognition of his contributions to diplomatic relations between Korea and the Czech Republic, according to diplomatic sources Monday.

Ivan Jancarek, the Czech ambassador to Korea, recently presented the medal on behalf of Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky to Chung at a meeting held at the automotive group's headquarters in Seoul.

The meeting was also attended by Hyundai Motor Co. President Sung Kim and Kim Il-bum, executive vice president of Hyundai Motor's global policy office.

The ambassador expressed his appreciation for Chung's efforts, saying in a social media post that it was an "honor" to present the medal while thanking Chung for a "great job" in fostering bilateral relations.

Hyundai Motor Group has maintained a strong presence in the Czech Republic, operating a manufacturing plant in the northeastern city of Nosovice since 2008.

The facility serves as Hyundai's key production hub in Europe, rolling out models such as the i30, Tucson and Kona Electric for the European market.

The company has invested significantly in local operations, supporting employment and technology exchange between the two nations.

Chung has been actively engaged in bolstering Hyundai's global partnerships, including its operations in Europe, which have played a vital role in strengthening Korea-Czech economic ties. (Yonhap)