Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — South Korea is planning to establish a cultural center in Jeddah to bolster people to people contact between South Korea and Saudi Arabia. The new proposed center will promote cultural understanding between the people of two countries in areas art, history, academia and science technology, South Korea Consul General Sang-Kyoun Lee said.

Speaking to Saudi Gazette on the occasion of National Foundation Day of the Republic of Korea, he said that the cultural center will play an important role in exchanging humanitarian relationship among the younger generation — especially students and youth of both countries.

He said that there are about 1,500 South Korean expatriates living in the Western Region of the Kingdom, who are mainly engaged in mega infrastructure projects and also in automobile, electronic fields.

The South Korean community here celebrated the 4,351 National Foundation Day of the Republic of Korea on Monday. The National Foundation day is known as “Gaecheon-jeol” meaning “the Opening of Sky/Heaven.” Such a title is derived from the legend of Dangun Wanggeom, popularly known as the founder of “Gojoseon” (2333–108 B.C.), the first kingdom of Korea. The South Koreans have been marking this event from 1969.

Addressing the gathering, Lee said that South Korea is keen on the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 as the country is working with Saudi Arabia to bolster bilateral relations in this direction by forming high-level ministerial committees.

“We have shared strong companionship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962. Bound by common values of trust and prosperity, the two countries have become indispensable partners to each other’s economic success,” he added.

Lee underscored that both countries have cooperated in various sectors ranging from the traditional fields of construction and energy since early 1970s and 80s to renewable and nuclear energy, culture and many other fields in recent years.

He expressed gratitude towards Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman for their warm hospitality towards South Koreans in Kingdom.

Drawing attention towards the longtime conflict in Korean peninsula, the top South Korean diplomat said that remarkable series of breakthrough initiatives and denuclearization process are evidently the most important steps towards peace and reconciliation not just in the Korean peninsula but also around the world.

Lee noted that “The year 2018 marks an extraordinary year for Korean peninsula, Asia-Pacific and beyond. Starting with the “Peace beyond Safety” Winter Olympics and Paralympics in PyeongChang, Korea has experienced historical transformation with the Inter-Korean Summit held on April 27 followed by Singapore Summit between North Korea and the United States on June 12.”

The event was attended by Saudi Foreign Ministry’s Makkah region Director Jamal Balkhoyour and diplomatic fraternity based in Jeddah and South Korean entrepreneurs, expatriates.

The Hanbok — traditional costume of South Korean women — with chima was displayed impressively during the culture display by children in traditional Korean costume during the event.

Documentary films were screened during the event, depicting all aspects of the country.