Myanmar’s history, and diplomacy
My fascination with Myanmar began during former diplomat Kwon Byong-hyon’s tenure as the Korean ambassador to Myanmar from 1987 to 1989. Later, he also served as the Korean ambassador to Australia and China. During his ambassadorships in these three countries, he facilitated numerous exchanges between officials and civilians to promote Korean diplomacy. These initiatives fostered people-to-people connections and contributed to Korea’s diplomatic efforts.
It’s inspiring to see the deepening diplomatic ties between our nations, exemplified by Korean President Moon Jae-in’s state visit to Myanmar in September 2019, extended by its President Win Myint.
The resilient people of Myanmar, guardians of a heritage spanning millennia, endured colonial subjugation in the late 19th century amid the spread of colonialism. In 1885, Myanmar’s sovereignty was eclipsed, prompting an uprising for independence marked by unwavering patriotism. This struggle culminated in the restoration of Myanmar’s autonomy in 1948, a testament to the indomitable will of its people.
Myanmar boasts a rich historical legacy with kingdoms symbolizing magnificence and dignity across millennia. Despite periods of subjugation, the people demonstrated patriotism and unity, taking up arms to reclaim their freedom.
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage and profound spiritual sites. Notably, one of the nation’s standout figures is U Thant, who served as secretary-general of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971.
The practice of Buddhism in both Korea and Myanmar reveals significant parallels, emphasizing shared spiritual connections while also highlighting interpretations, local variations and cultural influences that distinguish their expressions of this faith. These similarities and distinctions contribute to the tapestry of Buddhism as practiced in these two countries.
An intriguing aspect of Myanmar’s cultural heritage is Bagan, a sacred landscape featuring a remarkable array of Buddhist art and architecture. Bagan is an ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mandalay region. It serves as a testament to centuries of the Theravada Buddhist tradition of merit-making, known as Kammatic Buddhism, offering profound insights into the Bagan Period from 11th to 13th centuries.
During this era, merit-making became a potent mechanism of political control, with the king assuming the role of the chief donor, extending the civilization’s influence through control of river transport.
The intangible aspects of Bagan’s cultural heritage are expressed through Buddhist worship, traditional practices and agriculture. The site comprises 3,595 recorded distinctive monuments, including stupas, temples, inscriptions, murals and structures dedicated to Buddhist spiritual practices and rich archaeological resources that offer insights into the region’s history and culture.