Education
Han holds a Doctor of Philosophy in economics from Harvard University (1984) and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Seoul National University (1971).
Han holds a Doctor of Philosophy in economics from Harvard University (1984) and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Seoul National University (1971).
He is currently serving as Chairman of the of Korea International Trade Association. His career spans over 35 years, starting at the National Tax Service in 1970 and the Economic Planning Board four years later. In 1982, he moved to what is now the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, where he rose to Vice Minister in 1997-1998, during the Asian financial crisis.
He later became Minister of Trade Affairs (1998–2000), handling trade negotiations with foreign governments.
Han subsequently became Minister of Finance and served as Acting Prime Minister from 14 March 2006 to 19 April 2006. He resigned as Finance Minister in July 2006 and instead became a special presidential advisor for free trade agreement affairs
On 9 March 2007, Han was nominated as Prime Minister by President Roh Moo-hyun following the resignation of Han Myeong-sook. His nomination was approved by the National Assembly on 2 April 2007.
On February 2009, he was appointed to the ambassador to the United States.
In March 2013 he was replaced by Choi Young-jin.