KOREA FOUNDATION

As of late, Spain has been one of the most popular destinations on Korean television. In one program, well-known Korean entertainers open a Korean restaurant on a Spanish island. In another, celebrities operate a guest house for travelers, offering a glimpse into the daily life and culture of the Spanish people. However, Spain is not a distant country accessible only by television. And as the two nations prepare to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, Korea and Spain are expanding various cultural exchanges in diverse fields.

After an October summit meeting between Korean President Moon Jae-in and Spanish King Felipe VI in Seoul, the two governments signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on the designation of the 2020–2021 Korea-Spain Visit Year, designed to share tourism experience and statistics; promote exchange of human resources; strengthen cooperation between local administrations; and expedite gourmet, cinema, and medical tourism. The two sides also agreed to build inter-governmental dialogue channels to create new exchange projects and enhance joint marketing. King Felipe VI previously paid a visit to Seoul at the time of the Seoul Summer Olympics in 1988 and was named an honorary citizen of Seoul during his October state visit.

As per the MOUs agreed upon by the two countries, Korea will participate as a partner country in the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) to be held in Madrid in January 2020. FITUR is one of the world’s three major international tourism fairs. According to the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Spain has great potential as a core juncture that is connected to the tourism markets of the Spanish-speaking countries in South America. Korea’s cooperation with Spain, a great tourism power, is therefore expected to stimulate and invigorate the Korean tourism industry and contribute to upgrading its competitiveness.

Active exchanges are also under way through less publicized channels. The Korean Cultural Center in Madrid is holding a contest for photos taken by travelers to Korea under the title of “¿Qué tal tu Corea?” meaning “How was your Korea?” At the center’s Gallery Han-ul, Korean photographer Han Sung-pil’s works taken at the South and North Poles are on exhibit, drawing the interest of local residents. Han is noted for expressing the enormous solemnity and greatness of nature as well as the huge gap between practical life and the natural environment.

Active exchanges are also under way through less publicized The substantial expansion of bilateral cultural exchange between Spain and Korea is hoped to grow in size and sustainability, forming a solid ground for mutual growth and prosperity in the economy and in other fields.

Written by Kim Shinyoung

SpainCultural ExchangeExpandAnniversary of Amity