CELEBRATING FRIENDSHIP
Korean Cultural Center in China builds bridges between nations and peoples
Despite recent cooling of the relationship between China and South Korea, the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Sino- South Korean diplomatic relations as well as the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Korean Cultural Center, China was warmly celebrated by citizens of both nations.
The one- week celebration came to an end on Wednesday night with a series of traditional Korean performances presented by professors and students from Seoul- based Korea National University of Arts.
Hosted by institutions include the Korean Cultural Center, the Korea Creative Content Agency and the Korean Copyright Commission, the celebration also included activities such as fi lm screenings, a speech competition and arts and crafts.
The center was set up in the CBD area in Beijing’s Chaoyang district in March 2007 to “get closer to local Beijing citizens,” Han Jae- heuk, minister counselor and director of the Korean Cultural Center, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
Though relations between South Korea and China have experienced ups and downs over the years, the center has never once paused in its mission to promote cultural communication between the two countries. According to the center, it has hosted roughly 500 cultural activities and received more than 660,000 Chinese visitors over the past decade. Currently the center provides classes on the Korean language, taekwondo, music instruments and cuisine. Over the past 10 years, more than 17,000 students have attended classes at the center. “We have been going for 10 years and have hosted numerous cultural exchange activities. I hope the Korean Cultural Center can continue to serve as a platform for future exchange, as well as work to enhance the friendship between the two nations,” Han told the Global Times in fl uent Chinese.
Participating in Korean Cultural Center activities since 2015, 24- year- old Du Jiarui has completed two terms of Korean language classes and one term of traditional Korean dance class. She now volunteers at the center.
“I think the fi rst step to get to know a nation is to know its culture,” Du told the Global Times. “The various traditional and modern activities the culture center off ers can help people get to know South Korea and take part in promoting Sino- South Korean friendship.”
Admitting that recent tensions between the two countries have inconvenienced a few people, Du still has faith that both governments will be able to come up with a good solution together.
“We need to get to know each other, as well as know ourselves, so that we can fi nd solutions to our problems,” she remarked.