"Kimchi, Hanji, Soju, Mask Dance... We Felt the Real Korea" - Gyeongbuk Invites 13 Ambassadors' Spouses for Cultural Experience

From October 13 to 14, Gyeongbuk Province is hosting a two-day, one-night "Gyeongbuk Cultural Experience Program," inviting 13 members of the Association of Spouses of Ambassadors in Seoul (ASAS) from 13 countries, including Ecuador, Mexico, Russia, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and Bangladesh.

This event aims to introduce Gyeongbuk's traditional culture and tourism resources to the spouses of diplomats from around the world, and to promote the province's status and appeal as the host of the 2025 APEC Summit, which will be held in Gyeongju at the end of this month.

The wives of the ambassadors to Korea are visiting Gyeongbuk Province and taking a commemorative photo with Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongbuk, and Yang Geum-hee, Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs of Gyeongbuk Province.

During the two-day program, participants experienced the charm of Gyeongbuk through a variety of activities blending tradition and modernity. They learned about local lifestyle and craftsmanship by making kimchi, brewing traditional liquor, and crafting with hanji (traditional Korean paper). They also visited the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government Complex, toured the facilities, and walked along the Millennium Forest Trail to see how the government complex harmonizes with nature.

By exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Byeongsan Seowon and Hahoe Village, the participants appreciated the beauty and historical value of Korean tradition. At a dinner hosted by Governor Lee Cheolwoo, they discussed ways to expand international exchanges and strengthen cooperation in culture and tourism ahead of the APEC Summit, fostering mutual understanding and friendship.

The participants commented, "Although the schedule was short, it was a deeply meaningful experience," and expressed their admiration for the harmony between tradition and modernity in Gyeongbuk. They especially noted the warm hospitality they received throughout the region as particularly memorable.

Governor Lee Cheolwoo stated, "Through this invitation event, I believe the spouses of diplomats from around the world were able to experience firsthand the culture of Gyeongbuk, where tradition and modernity coexist, and feel the province's unique charm and potential."

He added, "Gyeongbuk is the root and center of Korea. When Queen Elizabeth II visited Andong in 1999, she praised it as 'Korea in Korea,' and that phrase still symbolizes Gyeongbuk's identity and pride to this day."

He further emphasized, "With the APEC Summit as a turning point, we will do our utmost to ensure that Gyeongbuk rises as a global center of culture and diplomacy, extending beyond Korea."

Catalina Bola?os, wife of the Ecuadorian ambassador to Korea and president of the Association of Spouses of Ambassadors in Seoul, shared her impressions: "Mungyeong and Andong were special places where Korea's traditional beauty and warm hospitality coexist. Through experiences such as making kimchi, hanji, soju, and mask dance, we were able to feel the 'real Korea,' and I realized that Gyeongbuk's profound history and culture are the roots of today's K-POP and Korean Wave."

She added, "Gyeongbuk's preparedness and capabilities as the host of the APEC Summit were especially impressive, and I believe this visit will remain an unforgettable memory for the spouses of diplomats from various countries."

Oh Taehun, Director of Foreign Affairs and Trade at Gyeongbuk Province, said, "This invitation event was significant as it introduced Gyeongbuk's traditional culture and natural beauty to the global diplomatic network, and served as a platform for cultural diplomacy linking the APEC Summit and the spread of the Korean Wave. We will continue to strengthen our global network and cooperation so that Gyeongbuk can establish itself as the center of the Korean Wave, where tradition and modernity coexist."

Meanwhile, the Association of Spouses of Ambassadors in Seoul (ASAS) is a friendship and exchange organization composed of the spouses of diplomats in Korea. It was established to enhance understanding of Korean culture and society and to promote friendship among member countries. Currently, Catalina Bola?os, wife of the Ecuadorian ambassador, serves as president. Through regular cultural experiences, charity events, and regional tours, the association continues to broaden mutual understanding and exchange between Korea and various countries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.